Accounting Research Readings Groups

Abstract

Research readings groups represent a recent innovation in accounting doctoral education that appears to be spreading at research-oriented universities. In this paper, we describe how accounting research readings groups can serve as a mechanism to engage doctoral students in the consumption and discussion of research throughout all phases of the doctoral program. An accounting research readings group supplements the breadth of knowledge gained in doctoral seminars by adding depth of knowledge in a focal research area. We offer insights from the educational psychology literature to justify research readings groups as a form of team-based learning and then offer suggestions on the formation and operation of these groups. We enumerate the many benefits that these groups afford to both doctoral students and faculty members. We also distribute a survey to faculty organizers of existing accounting research readings groups and share the results of this survey to supplement our advice with their firsthand experiences. Our goal is to encourage the use of accounting research readings groups to inspire, foster, and enhance the research culture within accounting departments and doctoral programs.

Keywords: doctoral education, readings groups, team-based learning