Research Liminalities and Graduation Rates of Doctoral Students at the University of Cape Coast, Ghana

Abstract

This paper explores research liminalities that affect graduation rate of Ph.D. students at the University of Cape Coast, Ghana. The study draws on the mixed methods design approach using the exploratory sequential mixed method. Nine (9) Ph.D. students are stratified and interviewed for the qualitative phase of the study. On the other hand, systematic sampling technique is employed to select ninety-seven (97) Ph.D. students as respondents to the questionnaire for the quantitative phase of the study. The thematic data analysis approach is used to analyse the qualitative data while the linear multiple regression analysis is used to test the hypothesis. Results of the study show that students and supervisors related-factors have a significantly negative effect on graduation rate of Ph.D. students of the University of Cape Coast. It is recommended that supervisors facilitate and promote active and student-centred approaches and engagements that help Ph.D. students to develop their research skills in order to maintain the continuity of work throughout their doctoral programme.