Is a PhD ADVISOR same as a PhD SUPERVISOR?

[aditi123]

I am a bit confused about the usage of the terms PhD Supervisor, PhD Guide & PhD Advisor.Are these terms used synonymously or do they have different meanings and functions?

Please help.

[liszt85]

I am a bit confused about the usage of the terms PhD Supervisor, PhD Guide & PhD Advisor.Are these terms used synonymously or do they have different meanings and functions?

Please help.

I've heard the term "guide" being used in India and "adviser" in the US. Supervisor probably in the UK? In any case, I'm pretty sure they mean the same thing.

[aditi123]

Thank you for the information.

Edited February 20, 2010 by aditi123

[newage2012]

Never heard of the term "guide" being used.

"Supervisor" usually means who responsible for your paycheck. "Advisor" is the one who is monitoring your degree progress,and usually part of your PhD dissertation committee. Usually for those who are pursuing PhD full-time and doing RA work these two terms are the same thing. It is only different for those who are being paid doing something else (i.e. janitorial work) and only pursue PhD part-time.