Transcript Research Examiner/ Independent Chair Training Programme

Research Examiner Training
Programme
Examining the Thesis
FHEQ descriptors - MPhil
i.
a systematic understanding of
knowledge, and a critical awareness
of current problems and/or new
insights, much of which is at, or
informed by, the forefront of their
academic discipline, field of study, or
area of professional practice
FHEQ descriptors - MPhil
ii.
a comprehensive understanding of
techniques applicable to their own research
or advanced scholarship
iii. originality in the application of knowledge,
together with a practical understanding of
how established techniques of research
and enquiry are used to create and
interpret knowledge in the discipline
FHEQ descriptors - MPhil
iv. conceptual understanding that
enables the student:



to evaluate critically current research and
advanced scholarship in the discipline
to evaluate methodologies and develop
critiques of them and,
where appropriate, to propose new
hypotheses.
FHEQ descriptors - PhD
i.
the creation and interpretation of new
knowledge, through original research
or other advanced scholarship, of a
quality to satisfy peer review, extend
the forefront of the discipline, and
merit publication
FHEQ descriptors - PhD
ii. a systematic acquisition and
understanding of a substantial body of
knowledge which is at the forefront of
an academic discipline or area of
professional practice
FHEQ descriptors - PhD
iii. the general ability to conceptualise, design
and implement a project for the generation
of new knowledge, applications or
understanding at the forefront of the
discipline, and to adjust the project design
in the light of unforeseen problems
iv. a detailed understanding of applicable
techniques for research and advanced
academic enquiry
FHEQ descriptors - PhD
iv. a detailed understanding of applicable
techniques for research and advanced
academic enquiry
What is expected of the thesis…
• The thesis shows evidence of sustained
independent effort by the candidate
• The thesis demonstrates the exercise of
critical powers
• The thesis provides evidence of
originality
• The thesis is satisfactory as regards
literary presentation and succinctness
An original contribution to
knowledge?
•
•
•
•
Novelty
Development & advancement
Alternative perspectives
Interdisciplinary approaches
Novelty
•
•
•
•
Open up a new field of enquiry
Develop and test a new theory
Develop and test a new methodology
Set down a major new piece of information in
writing for the first time
• Create a novel artefact that provides new
perspectives on the creative process
Development and advancement
• Refine an existing methodology and show
how its use in application is superior
• Refine an existing theory through the
interrogation of original data generated from
fieldwork or experiment
• Add progressively to understanding of an
issue, a social or natural phenomenon or a
professional practice by a series of linked
studies or experiments
An alternative perspective
• Successfully challenge an existing theory or model
and show how it can be improved or why it should be
discarded in certain circumstances
• Show that “taken for granted” truths or assumptions
are not substantiated by evidence
• Show limitations and errors of existing dominant
methodologies or analytical tools and the
consequences for previous studies
• Interpret existing data/evidence in a new way,
through application of previously unexplored
theoretical models or alternative methodologies
An interdisciplinary approach
• Extend models, theories, etc developed
in one field to another and show how
this model/theory refines, deepens or
changes understanding of the target
field