Doctoral defence formats

Lantsoght, Eva O. L.

doi:10.1080/03075079.2022.2137123

Cited by 2 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 35 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…This method of final examination predominates in the UK and South Africa [36]. Whilst it is held in high esteem on the international landscape and remains consistent with the historical process of conferring doctorates [39], concerns have been raised about variations in standards, fairness, and the psychological impact on the candidate of the closed-door viva voce [40,41]. By its very nature of being held behind closed doors, there can be no external scrutiny on the performance of the candidate (or indeed the skill of the examiners) [42].…”

Section: Closed-door Viva Voce (Private Defense)mentioning

confidence: 91%

“…In rare instances where countries are physically isolated, the viva may be foregone completely with the conferment of the doctorate being given solely on the basis of the written submission. In general, the thesis carries more weight than the viva voce [39], presumably because the completed thesis is a definitive piece of research that can be evaluated by anyone who so chooses after it is published, whereas the viva voce is much more subjective and assesses more the ability of the candidate to 'perform under pressure'. This section will focus on the different formats that the final examination can take in different contexts, and the aspects that can influence success.…”

Section: Final Examination-the Viva Vocementioning

confidence: 99%

“…In some countries, the questioning can take place behind closed doors, whilst the presentation and bestowing of the award remain public, hence its description as hybrid. In other countries, the questioning is entirely public and members of the audience are invited to join in with the questioning (although this rarely happens) [39]. Furthermore, the length of the public defense is often shorter than the possible length of a closed door viva voce, commonly taking less than two hours in American universities [44].…”

Section: Hybrid Viva Voce (Public Defense)mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The ritualized viva voce is held after the publication and acceptance of the thesis and as such is a ceremonial formality, rather than a critical aspect of assessment [39]. It is common in some European countries such as the Netherlands [38] and is considered a ceremonial public debate [36].…”

Section: Ritualised Viva Vocementioning

confidence: 99%

See 3 more Smart Citations

Supporting Doctoral Candidates through Completion and Final Examination

Riches-Suman

2024

Encyclopedia

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Completion and final examination comprise the final stages of a doctoral program and represent the culmination of the doctoral candidates’ years of research. In this entry, completion is defined as the writing and submission of a doctoral thesis, and final examination is defined as the viva voce. Over the years, the format and scope of doctoral degrees has expanded and a variety of formats are now offered. In addition to the traditional research-only doctoral degree, professional, practice-based, and new route programs also contain a taught element alongside research. However, the creation of a substantive thesis or practice-based alternative addressing a novel research question is common to all. In contrast, processes and formats of viva voces vary across the globe. These range from private, closed-door defenses to assessed or ritualistic public defense presentations. For both completion and final examination, there are many practical and psychological hurdles that need to be navigated in order for the candidate to attain their doctoral degree. This entry will highlight these aspects as well as provide evidence-based guidance for supervisors in supporting their doctoral candidates through these daunting final stages.

show abstract

Section: Closed-door Viva Voce (Private Defense)mentioning

confidence: 91%

Section: Final Examination-the Viva Vocementioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Hybrid Viva Voce (Public Defense)mentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Ritualised Viva Vocementioning

confidence: 99%

See 2 more Smart Citations

Supporting Doctoral Candidates through Completion and Final Examination

Riches-Suman

2024

Encyclopedia

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

Purpose-driven oral examination: insights from doctoral viva examiners

Tan

2023

Discov Educ

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Despite the importance of the PhD viva in assessing the quality of doctoral research, how examiners approach the PhD viva remains underexplored in the Global South. This study fills this gap by investigating the conceptions of doctoral examiners in Malaysia, shedding light on how they approach the PhD viva and what they believe its key purposes are. Through qualitative thematic analysis of interviews with twelve examiners, this study reveals that examiners place a significant emphasis on the quality of the research thesis, empower candidates to demonstrate mastery of the research subject, initiate dialogue for research engagement, and foster socialisation within the disciplinary community. The study contributes to the conceptualisation of the purposes of the PhD viva, encompassing gatekeeping, empowerment, dialogue, and enculturation, which can provide valuable guidance for examiner practices. The implications of these findings are discussed, highlighting the facilitative role of examiners in the examination process.

show abstract

Doctoral defence formats

Cited by 2 publications

References 35 publications

Supporting Doctoral Candidates through Completion and Final Examination

Supporting Doctoral Candidates through Completion and Final Examination

Purpose-driven oral examination: insights from doctoral viva examiners

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About