Quitting a PhD because of your supervisor... It's complicated.

Key Concepts: PhD completion rates in humanities, supervisor support and communication, PhD student-supervisor relationship, compatibility of flaws.

PhD Completion Rates in Humanities:

The video highlights a concerning statistic: only 49% of individuals pursuing a PhD in the humanities in the United States successfully complete their degree within a 10-year timeframe. This low completion rate is attributed to various complex factors.

Supervisor Support and Communication:

One of the primary reasons cited for the low completion rate is the quality of the relationship between the PhD student and their supervisor, specifically focusing on supervisor support and communication. The video emphasizes that PhD students often feel like they are "bothering" their supervisors when seeking guidance or assistance.

The Importance of Compatibility:

The core argument presented is that both the PhD student and the supervisor possess inherent flaws. The success of the PhD journey hinges on the "compatibility" of these flaws. The video suggests that if the student's and supervisor's flawed behaviors are incompatible, it can lead to significant difficulties and potentially hinder the student's progress and completion of the PhD.

Notable Quotes:

• "Only 49% of people in the humanities finish their PhD in the US after 10 years..." - This statistic underscores the severity of the problem.
• "...the PhD student feels like they're bothering their PhD supervisor..." - This highlights a common issue in the student-supervisor dynamic.
• "...you need to make sure your flawed behaviors are compatible otherwise you're going to be in a world of hurt." - This emphasizes the critical role of compatibility in the student-supervisor relationship.

Synthesis/Conclusion:

The video argues that a significant factor contributing to the low PhD completion rate in the humanities is the quality of the relationship between the student and supervisor. Specifically, the video emphasizes the importance of open communication and the compatibility of the flaws of both the student and the supervisor. A mismatch in these areas can create a challenging and potentially detrimental environment for the PhD student, ultimately impacting their ability to complete their degree.