Point of View: Competency-based assessment for the training of PhD students and early-career scientists

May 31, 2018

3 tables

Tables

Table 1

https://doi.org/10.7554/eLife.34801.002

1. Broad Conceptual Knowledge of a Scientific Discipline

2. Deep Knowledge of a Specific Field

3. Critical Thinking Skills

4. Experimental Skills

5. Computational Skills

6. Collaboration and Team Science Skills

7. Responsible Conduct of Research and Ethics

8. Communication Skills

9. Leadership Skills

10. Survival Skills

Table 1—source data 1 Core Competencies Assessment Rubric.: https://doi.org/10.7554/eLife.34801.005
Download elife-34801-table1-data1-v2.docx

Table 2

https://doi.org/10.7554/eLife.34801.003

Dreyfus & Dreyfus	Novice	Advanced beginner	Competent	Proficient	Expert
Dreyfus & Dreyfus	Rule-based behavior, limited, inflexible	Incorporates aspects of the situation	Acts consciously from long-term goals and plans	Sees situation as a whole and acts from personal conviction	Has intuitive understanding of situations, zooms in on central aspects
PhD Scientist Training Stages	Beginning PhD Student	Advanced PhD Student	PhD Graduate	Early-Career Scientist	Science Professional

Table 3

https://doi.org/10.7554/eLife.34801.004

CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS	MILESTONES
CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS	Beginning PhD Student	Advanced PhD Student	PhD Graduate	Early-Career Scientist	Science Professional
B. Design a single experiment (answer *questions, controls, etc.)*	Follow experimental protocols, seek help as needed, describe critical role of controls	Plan experimental protocol; include relevant controls; choose appropriate methods; troubleshoot experimental problems	Design and execute hypothesis- based experiments independently; evaluate protocols of others; predict range of experimental outcomes	Consistently design and execute experiments with appropriate controls; assess next steps; critique experiments of others	Teach experimental design; guide others doing experiments