Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the terminology used to describe the period after earning a Bachelor’s degree and before starting graduate school (Ph.D. program). Participants explore various terms and their implications, including "postbaccalaureate," "predoctorate," and others, while considering how to categorize research and publications during this transitional phase.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Debate/contested
- Meta-discussion
Main Points Raised
- Some participants suggest "postbaccalaureate" as an appropriate term for the period after obtaining a Bachelor’s degree.
- Others propose "predoctorate" to describe the time before entering a Ph.D. program, although this term may lead to confusion regarding its meaning.
- A few participants humorously refer to this period as "unemployment" or "summer vacation," reflecting a lighthearted approach to the topic.
- Concerns are raised about how to separate publications made during this period from those made during graduate studies, with suggestions to categorize them based on the context of research.
- Some participants mention that in the UK, the term "postgrad" is used until starting a doctorate, after which one becomes a "predoc," although there is disagreement about the familiarity and usage of these terms.
- There is a discussion about the relevance of distinguishing between different educational statuses, with some arguing that chronological ordering of publications is sufficient.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants do not reach a consensus on a single term to describe the period after a Bachelor’s degree and before a Ph.D. program. Multiple competing views and terms are presented, indicating a lack of agreement on the most appropriate terminology.
Contextual Notes
Some participants express uncertainty about the definitions and implications of terms like "predoctorate" and "postbaccalaureate," suggesting that these terms may vary in meaning based on context or location. Additionally, the discussion highlights the challenge of categorizing research outputs during this transitional phase.