Examining Phdthesis Feb2010 Prof Madya Dr Najib
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The document discusses the criteria that examiners use to evaluate Masters and PhD theses. It outlines several areas that examiners will examine, including research methods, presentation, analysis, significance of findings, and original contribution to the field of knowledge. Examiners seek to determine if the candidate has demonstrated a sufficient level of research and analysis skills to be awarded the degree. The possible examination results are outlined as pass, pass with minor revisions, conditional pass with major revisions, reschedule examination, award of a lower degree such as MPhil, or fail.
Examining Phdthesis Feb2010 Prof Madya Dr Najib
- 1. EXAMINING PH.D/MASTER THESIS THE CRITERIA? Najib Ahmad Marzuki, Ph.D Universiti Utara Malaysia 23 February 2010
- 2. The Twilight Journey Of Doing A Masters/PhD THE BEGINNING What is it actually? Will I be able to do it ? I’m confused ……. What should I do now? Please ! Will somebody tell me what PhD is all about ………. VS. NOW I have submitted …… What will the examiners do? What will they examine? What are the examining CRITERIA? Am I ready for oral examination? Help !!!!!!!
- 3. The Real Journey Embarking on a Masters (by research)/Phd study is a ‘learning process’, rather than a ‘fixed process’. The reality is that candidates need to establish a significant amount of ‘knowledge, skills and abilities’ in order to undergo the process. This is translated into ‘preparation, research methods skills, mental and physical preparation, and self-diagnose of oneself’, etc.
- 4. The Dilemma The doctoral thesis is generally the first large, structured or unstructured project undertaken by Phd candidates. Most candidates do not manage the project in an organized way. The results are reflected in rather poor rates of completion, and extended time schedules.
- 5. What is a Masters/PhD thesis? …… In order to write a thesis, you must complete a significant amount of research and develop a unique amount of argument about your research. In most cases, it must be unique in that your argument must not be a replica of an argument found in other published work. When you write a thesis, you must prove that you are bringing new ideas, research methods, conclusions or scientific results to your field of study ………
- 6. Mastering the general field PhD candidates should be able to master the area of interest comprehensively and exhaustively. They should also be able to explore new variables in such a way that it is deliberately in-depth in nature and broad in spectrum.
- 7. Examiner general guidelines (PhD Thesis) 1. Is the candidate able to contribute significantly to the field of knowledge and proof his/her ability in relating his/her research to the broad field of study and whether his/her achievement is/will be recognized locally and internationally in terms of publications?
- 8. Cont …… 2.A Phd thesis should be able to proof that the candidate has the ability to analyse critically and demonstrate skills in handling scholarly research for the purpose of answering matters relating to the objectives specified.
- 9. Cont …… 3.The examiner would demonstrate in his report whether he is satisfied or not on the quality of the thesis to be awarded a specified higher degree to the candidate or if he is not satisfied, then whether the candidate fail or need to be referred for additional work or corrections and submit the thesis again for examination.
- 10. Further Guidelines and Criteria (What will examiners seek?) Research Methods Consideration should be given to the technique of research adopted and the extent of work involved in terms of field work, lab work, interviews, library research etc. and the evidence of the amount of data collected. Due consideration should be given to the difficult nature of a subject, the availability and accessibility of relevant information and statistical data analysis in the assessment.
- 11. Cont …… Presentation Consideration should be given to the organization of the dissertation/thesis including the format presentation of tables, diagrams, charts, footnotes, references and appendices. Style is also relevant as well as accuracy and care especially proof reading of the final copy.
- 12. Cont …… Analysis The original contribution of the candidates should be evident in the chapters devoted to analysis and conclusions drawn from the research work. Credit should be given to a candidate who shows intelligent application of appropriate principles and practices relevant to the problem under study. Credit would also be given to the candidate’s ability to analyse critically the data collected and his ability to write a coherent and descriptive thesis/dissertation from the data and materials collected.
- 13. Cont …… Significance of Finding(s) The general significance of the subject and the extent to which the objectives of research have been achieved are to be considered in assessment under this heading. Remarks on possibility of publication Apart from the merits for assessment for Masters/Doctorate degree, the examiner may add remarks regarding changes, amendments and corrections that would need to be made if all or part of the thesis/dissertation were to be published.
- 14. Cont …… Any other comments The examiner may state any other comments he may have. Recommendations The examiner should indicate his recommendations, egg., whether he is satisfied that a sufficient standard has been reached for the higher degree to be awarded to the candidate or if he is not satisfied, whether the candidate should be failed or referred for further work after which the candidate may re-submit his work for (another) examination.
- 15. Bear in mind ….. Your thesis presentation and clarity. Integration and coherence. Contribution to knowledge. Originality and creativity. Review of relevant literature. Statement of the research problem. Methods of enquiry adopted (methodologies). Analysis of data. Discussion of outcomes.
- 16. The Verdict The Examination result: Pass – the candidate be awarded the relevant degree Pass with minor revision – the candidate be awarded the relevant degree, subject to making the required amendments and corrections (Maximum 3 months) Conditional Pass with major revision – the candidate is required to make major alterations to his/her thesis and resubmit the work for another assessment to the examiners concerned, but a second viva is not required (Minimum 3 months and maximum 12 months) Reschedule examination – the candidate is required to make major alterations to his/her thesis and resubmit the work for another assessment to the examiners concerned and a second viva is required (Minimum 12 months and maximum 18 months) MPhil – the candidate be conferred a degree of a lower status Fail – the candidate has failed
- 17. Climbing the ladder …… Do not develop research phobia. Seek and ask for GUIDANCE and WISDOM (you won’t understand this until you have been through it ….). PhD is the beginning of a long journey, the saga of climbing the highest mountain and the agony of understanding the true meaning of ‘knowledge-seeking’ process. Welcome to the club ……….. May God bless you in your endeavour ……. GOOD LUCK TO ALL
- 18. THANK YOU