Attitudes and orientations of research scholars in Bangalore University

The present study focused on Attitudes and orientations of Research scholars in Bangalore University is an empirical inquiry into the social realities pertaining to research students in academic profession, focusing specifically on the attitudes and orientations and work aspirations. It seeks to probe empirically into the extent, determinants and implications of achievement among this emerging professional group in the context of contemporary Indian society. The area of study has been confined to Bangalore University. The sample of 350 research scholars was chosen. They tend either to be less satisfied (36.2 percent) or highly satisfied (39.5 percent) with a relatively smaller proportion (24.3 percent) being less definite with a sense of satisfaction or dissatisfaction, that is exhibiting a moderate degree of satisfaction. The proportion of those with low commitment is as low as 16 (15.8) percent among those with low educational grades whereas, the corresponding proportion is as high as 28 (27.8) percent among those with higher educational grades. Further, much against what could be expected, the orientations do not vary significantly with several background and contextual variables except in case of stage of research, work satisfaction and commitment level. However, they appear to be less than happy about their own progress of research and its outcome requiring us to take a second look at the state of affairs.