In the Graduate Schools

A committee of the American Historical Association has initiated a nation-wide survey to determine "Why graduate work in history leads to so little productive research on the part of holders of Ph.D. degrees," it was announced by the Association Headquarters yesterday.

The committee, headed by Professor M. W. Jernegan of Chicago University, is sending questionnaires to doctors of philosophy throughout the country requesting a "frank and full opinion" as to the reason for the failure of higher degree holders to become scholars. The ten queries contained in the questionnaire cover the chief factors, economic, scholastic, and moral, which may be contributory to a situation of keen concern to leaders in historical research. The results of this inquisitory campaign will be contained in a report submitted to the Historical Association about December 1.

Questions are Pointed

Some of the questions follow:

"What in your opinion is the obligation or duty of a doctor of philosophy in history to teaching on the one hand and research on the other?

"What is the attitude of the president of the institution where you now hold a position, toward research as compared with teaching?

"Is the desire to do research work generally lacking, and if so, for what reasons?

"Does your college library, or any other depository of historical material in your immediate vicinity contain sufficient materials for a line of research that could be pursued with profit?

"Is it true that research is hindered or delayed because of the belief that only a large and important subject is worth undertaking?

"Would you be likely to produce a particular piece of work if you were assured of a definite grant sufficient to cover part of the expenses of research and publication?

"Why do so many students make a substantial start in graduate work but fall to take the final degree?

"Will you add any other reason that you think of that will help explain why there is no more productive research on the part of holders of Ph.D. degrees?"