Thesis Examination
April 2011
Graduate Research School
Seminar OutlineWe will cover:
Steps leading to submission
Conflict of interest in relation to examiners
Criteria for examination
Post submission
Classification of theses
Submission of final version of theses
Theses as a series of papers
Completion Seminar
Organised in the school or faculty and delivered 3-6 months prior to the intended date of thesis submission
Provides an opportunity for the candidate to articulate and defend the argument made in the dissertation and the evidence upon which their claims are based.
Provides an opportunity for the candidate to receive constructive criticism in a spirit of positive intellectual enquiry
Nomination of Examiners Form
Submit minimum 3 weeks prior to intended submission date
Include a copy of thesis abstract
Nomination of examiners needs final approval from the Dean of the
Graduate Research School
School representative to contact nominated examiners to secure
their agreement to examine the thesis (3 for PhD, 2 for Masters)
Conflicts of Interest in Examination
University policy on conflict of interest and independence of examiners
What constitutes a conflict of interest?
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Conflicts of Interest in HDR Examination
The use of independent thesis examiners is an important defining feature of Australian HDR programs.
Independence of examiners is one indicator of the quality of the examination process and of the course as a whole.
High degree of convergence among the Go8 Universities.
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UWA Policy
Purpose of the policy:
“At The University of Western Australia, examination of theses prepared for Higher Degrees by Research (HDR) is wholly external. The process for examination and classification of theses assumes that examiners undertake the task independently, without bias. Professional and personal relationships between examiners and a student and their supervisor/s, and relationships between examiners and the University, have the potential to introduce bias and thus reduce the independence of the examination, in fact or perception.”
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UWA Policy“Examination of Higher Degree by Research theses must occur free of bias.
Bias might be introduced to the examination process via a range of prior or current personal, professional or legal relationships between the examiner and the student, the supervisor/s or other examiners. In addition, bias can occur when an examiner has a prior or current relationship with the University or an interest of more than an academic nature in the outcomes of the research.
Where there is a likelihood that bias might occur or be seen to occur in the context of the examination of an HDR thesis, a potential for actual or perceived conflict of interest must be declared to the body responsible for the thesis examination ….”
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“A conflict of interest may be with the institution, the advisor or the candidate. …
The aim of the CoI guidelines is to protect the candidate, examiner and the university against potential negative perceptions during the thesis examination process. It is not a presumption that an individual will behave inappropriately.”
Working relationship
Personal relationship Legal Business/Professional/Social
relationship
A. Candidate
B. Supervisor
C. University
D. Other Examiners
E. Subject matter e.g. direct commercial interest in the research outcomes
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Examples of conflicts
examples of conflicts
Working relationship
Personal relationship Legal Business/Professional/Social
relationship
A. Candidate occasional
B. Supervisor common
C. University occasional
D. Other Examiners occasional
E. Subject matter e.g. direct commercial interest in the research outcomes
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Common issues arising in approving nomination of examiners
Thesis Format
Temporary binding (4 copies for PhD, 3 for Masters)
Specifications (margins, line-spacing, single or double sided)
See http://wwwpostgraduate.uwa.edu.au/students/thesis/stylefor details. Follow disciplinary conventions for thesis format.
Thesis Submission Form
Must accompany thesis upon submission
Includes thesis declaration
Post Submission
Enrolment status
Issues for international students
Criteria for Thesis Evaluation
The thesis must provide a substantial and original contribution to
knowledge
The student should demonstrate familiarity and understanding of the
relevant literature
The thesis must provide a comprehensive study of the topic
The techniques adopted must be appropriate and properly applied
The results should be suitably set out and accompanied by adequate
exposition
The quality of the written work must be at a standard acceptable for
publication
Thesis Classification
1.without corrections or amendments
Pass 2.subject to minor revisions
3.subject to substantive revisions
Resubmit
Award the degree of Master
Failed
Revision of thesis after initial classification
Time allowed
Writing a report of thesis revisions http://wwwpostgraduate.uwa.edu.au/students/thesis/examinations/re visions
Submission of final version of thesis after classification
Australian Digital Thesis Program/Trove
Permanent Binding (specifications at http://wwwpostgraduate.uwa.edu.au/students/thesis/style/permanent- binding
Certification of Final Version of Thesis form
Australian Higher Education Graduation Statement (AHEGS) requires 100 word abstract
Thesis as a series of papers
What form can these take?
Advantages
Disadvantages
Common criticisms