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Table 2 Exploratory factor analysis results of dependent and focal independent variables

From: STEM doctoral students’ skill development: does funding mechanism matter?

Question stem

Factor

Item

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Alpha

Describe the following aspects of your skill development associated with your current primary funding source. My current primary funding source helped me learn how to

Communication skills

Communicate my ideas verbally

0.79

0.84

Communicate my ideas in writing

0.74

Facilitate a difficult conversation

0.60

Peer training and mentoring

skill

Train peers

0.92

0.95

Mentor peers

0.93

Teamwork and project management skills

Work collaboratively in a team

0.55

0.80

Manage projects

0.56

Research skills

Critically evaluate a journal article

0.36

0.89

Make progress for my dissertation

0.91

Conduct research

0.95

How would you describe the following aspects of your experience associated with your primary funding type for your doctoral studies on average? My primary funding type

Alignment between funding and career goals (career alignment)

Offers skill development opportunities

0.43

0.79

Is relevant to my career goals

0.85

Positively influences my job prospects

0.84

Describe the following aspects of your skill development associated with your current primary funding source. My current primary funding source helped me learn how to

Prepare for a career

0.46