A Study of the Hidden Factors Effective on Selecting a Supervisor: A Phenomenological Study

Background & Objective: Hidden curriculum is one of the new topics presented by scholars of curriculum development during recent years In this study the criteria for selecting a supervisor were studied through experiences gained by PhD students Methods: This research is a qualitative and a phenomenological study The study participants consisted of ۵۴ graduated PhD students from both medical and nonmedical state and Azad universities Data were collected using semistructured interviews and analyzed using Colaizzi method Moreover simple random sampling method was used Thus the present study focused on the hidden experiences of PhD students on selecting a supervisor Results: In this study ۱۲ main categories were extracted from ۱۲۳ common factors of this investigation These categories consisted of behavioral and ethical characteristics executive positions scientific positions being wellknown or famous and having access to supervisors skill and mastery in research and statistics specialty and expertise in a specific field access to senior students and limitations and constraints gender supportive ability of supervisors and the anticipating the future Conclusion: The results showed that hidden factors such as ethical and behavioral characteristics of supervisors or professors their academic and scientific ranks governing laws on the universities guidelines and regulations of the universities informal networks and the possible supports and limitations can affect the selection of a supervisor

Keywords:

Hidden Curriculum , Academic supervisor , Student's experiences