Degrees of division: Examining implicit and explicit bias towards nursing doctoral degrees (DNP and PhD)

The coexistence of the research-focused Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and the practice-focused Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) has created a complex intraprofessional dynamic. Despite calls for collaboration, relationships are often characterized by competition and role confusion.

This study examined implicit and explicit biases of nurses toward PhD and DNP degrees to establish a baseline for understanding intraprofessional attitudes.

A cross-sectional design was used (n = 635). Participants completed a demographic survey, explicit bias questions, and a web-based Implicit Association Test (IAT) measuring automatic associations between degree types and evaluative attributes.

Explicitly, 53.9% of participants reported "no bias," though PhD holders were significantly more likely to explicitly favor their own degree (p < .001). Implicitly, PhD holders exhibited implicit bias favoring PhDs (Mean D = -0.34), while DNP holders favored DNPs (Mean D = +0.23). Dual-degree holders showed no significant implicit bias. Regionally, the Northeast U.S. demonstrated stronger implicit bias against DNPs compared to the West (p = .02).

Significant implicit in-group biases exist, particularly among single-degree holders. These findings provide initial empirical evidence of a doctoral divide, suggesting that future interventions must target unconscious attitudes to foster the collaboration necessary for improving healthcare outcomes.