Career experiences of contract researchers in Education

Bibliographic Data

ID11482395
AuthorsMichael Youngman (corresponding author)
Year1994
Volume9
Issue3
Pages369-410
Publication date1994-10-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueResearch Papers in Education (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0267-1522 • E-ISSN: 1470-1146
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/0267152940090306
OpenAlexW2042805724
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited3

Contract researchers comprise a substantial element in all areas of academic research, but numerous reports have exposed major concerns over status, security and conditions. As part of a larger review of its research activities, the ESRC in 1991 commissioned a quick survey of contract researchers on ESRC projects. This report summarizes that survey. The sample of 44 researchers consisted of 80 per cent of the eligible personnel. Its constitution was comparable to the one surveyed by Varlaam (1988) for the Institute of Management Studies covering all disciplines, except for the preponderance of females (59 per cent) in the present study. This seems to indicate acceptable representativeness, although the small size inevitably restricts the range and reliability of statistical analyses possible. For that reason, equal emphasis is given in this report to the open comments supplied by over half the respondents. The four‐page questionnaire addressed issues identified from other surveys extending back to 1975, with some augmentation from professional sources (such as AUT newsletters and reports) and personal observation. The bulk of the content, covering background, current situation, involvements and future, was structured in a conventional categorized format. A major section on perceptions was presented as 24 4‐point Likert‐type scales. An insert page was provided for additional comments and 25 respondents used the facility. Highlighting some of the salient results, the sample is well qualified but relatively inexperienced in research. Women tend to have improved their salary whilst men stay the same. Most (86 per cent) have full‐time posts, with half‐time being the commonest part‐time arrangement. Contract length varies somewhat, with 41 per cent having fewer than 2 yean, 46 per cent 2 to 3 years, but only two researchers having more than 4 yean. Fewer than half the sample express a desire to continue with research, and of these only 21 per cent rate their chances highly. Perceptions show some relation to gender, but generally there is a predominance of negative attitudes towards career possibilities, but a positive view of the personal development aspects of the work, especially the autonomy, the innovativeness, using experience and learning new skills. Over 60 per cent consider the pay inadequate and the work inducing personal strain. These personal viewpoints were elaborated in the written comments. Using a framework derived from the perception items, every distinguishable comment was classified as Career, Development, Personal or Extra. Further subdivision of these groups produced 12 categories in all. All comments are reproduced as lists under these headings, allowing a detailed picture to be seen. In essence they reflect the perception items, with a pessimistic view of career (that is, lack of it), but an appreciation of the formative opportunities within the post. Comments in the ‘Extra’ category draw attention to the adverse climate in which research has to operate. Overall conclusions from the survey are able to utilize actual comments from respondents, offering suggestions for development, and warnings about difficulties. There is little comfort for anyone depending on research as a career or a resource for the immediate future

Likert scale · Medical education · Political science · Public relations · Representativeness heuristic · Salary · Sample (material · Business Law and Ethics · Ethics in Business and Education · Law · Legal Issues in Education · Medicine · Psychology · Social Psychology