Speech-Language Pathologists’ Perceptions of a Clinical Doctorate in Speech-Language Pathology: A Phenomenological Study

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the perspectives of speech-language pathologists regarding a clinical doctorate as a potential entry-level degree for practicing speech-language pathologists. The central research question sought to determine the overall attitudes of speech-language pathologists about a clinical doctorate. The theories guiding this study were social constructionism and experiential learning theory, as this study attempted to construct the perceived reality of practicing speech-language pathologists regarding clinical doctorates and involved their educational and work experiences. The methodology utilized was transcendental phenomenology and included three data collection approaches: interviews, letter-writing, and focus groups. The data were analyzed via descriptive statistics, note-taking, and recording to allow for verbatim transcription with organization completed using Taguette and rigor ensured by employing the van Kaam method. Results yielded two themes, ‘Views of a Clinical Doctorate’ and ‘Knowledge is Power.’ Both themes also contained two sub-themes that addressed misunderstanding and benefit, and displayed how knowledge criteria changed with data collection methods. While initial support for a clinical doctorate in speech-language pathology was not found in the interviews and the letter-writing, this changed in the focus group setting.