Occupational Identity of Doctoral Students: Social Actor or Motivated Agent

In this research, the Doctoral Identity of Isfahan University students was investigated to discover what doctoral students are looking for in their definition and what factors played a role in the formation of their occupational identity.

The research is based on a qualitative approach, grounded theory, and charmas method. The population of this research included all Ph.D. students at Isfahan University. The theoretical and purposeful sampling method was used to select the research sample. Data was obtained through semi-structured in-depth interviews with 17 current and graduated Ph.D. students at Isfahan University. MAXQDA version 20 was used for data analysis

Based on the analysis of the interview data, a conceptual model of the doctoral identity of Ph.D. students was extracted, which demonstrates the process of constructing the identity of Ph.D. students.

The doctoral identity is the result of the cultural and social context in which students study. In the context of Iranian society, Ph.D. students define their identity as a "social actor." To develop the doctoral identity of students as a "motivated agent", there is a need for a reflective space (in the form of formal or informal courses) in the educational system of the doctoral course.