Learning to Use Research Evidence: The Case of the Education Doctorate

This paper is a preliminary exploration of how doctoral study can increase educational leaders’ capacity to use evidence. Our mixed methods study uses interviews and surveys of graduates from four EdD programs. Methods training linked to students’ work and social capital development among students and with faculty both influenced graduates use of evidence. We expected to find distinct uses of research (e.g., to make decisions, to persuade others). While we did, leaders often combined such uses in specific cases. We conclude with suggestions for further research on how professional education influences educational leaders’ use of evidence.