Exploring Online Adult Student Reasoning to Pursue a Practitioner Doctoral Degree

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to describe adult learners’ reasons to pursue a doctorate degree. The framework focused on the Self-determination Theory. Data were collected via 45 semi-structured interviews. Researchers used Claude AI 3. 5 Sonnet (Artificial Intelligence) as a methodological tool to apply Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis. Five themes emerged consisting of Personal Growth and Fulfillment, Career Advancement and Development, Interpersonal Identity and Expectations, Societal Impact and Systemic Change, and Practical Considerations. Future research recommendations include providing professional development opportunities for faculty to support students with the ethical use of AI. The researchers acknowledge and document the use of both AI as a methodological tool and the researchers’ analytical skills in manually cross-referencing the data to support the AI thematic analysis process.