ph.d. viva and oral defence preparation€¦ · ph.d. viva and oral defence preparation presenter:...
TRANSCRIPT
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Ph.D. Viva and Oral Defence
Preparation
Presenter: Maeve Gallagher
Prepared by: Dr. Tamara O’Connor
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Objectives
• To view viva as a performance event – an
oral examination
• To understand the principles of viva
• To explore ways to prepare for this type of
exam
• To practise writing and answering
questions
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Introductions
• Please turn to the person
next to you
• Introduce yourself –
name, discipline, what
you are studying and one
other fact about yourself
• Introduce your partner to
the group
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Performance Event
• PhD is an examination – a performance
event
• As is an oral transfer examination
• How do you prepare for any performance?
– Preparation and Practice
– Skills development and performance
rehearsal
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Understand the principles
A PhD is about….
– Knowing your field thoroughly
– Evaluating your subject
– Making a useful contribution
– Mastering appropriate techniques &
knowing their limitation
– Communicating in a professional way
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Purpose of viva
• Ascertain it is your own work
• Make sure you understand what you did
• Contribution to knowledge – worthy of PhD
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Reframe Event
The Viva . . . An Opportunity
• To discuss your work with experts
• To improve your arguments and
thesis
• To consider where to publish
– get free consultancy!
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The Viva ... the Examiners
Adversarial
Some examiners will challenge your
views, in order to hear your argument.
Detailed
Some examiners
inspect every word and phrase.
“On page 32, you say ...
please explain.”
Friendly &
Interested
Examiners will make
you feel at ease. They
will want you to explain
your research.
From Twigg (1997)
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The Viva ... Stay Calm & Confident
• You are most probably
now the world’s expert
on your thesis topic.
• Argue each point with
confidence.
• Demonstrate your
depth/breadth of
knowledge.
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Preparation
• Revision and Summaries
– Re-read critically
– Review each chapter and summarise in points
– Defence of research
• Know limitations
• Emotional preparation
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Preparation
• Questions
– Anticipate questions and prepare sample
answers
– Easy and hard questions
– Open, closed, probing, applied, general,
specific questions
• Develop skills and
techniques
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Viva strategies & skills
• Defining
– Define & illustrate
– Define & defend
Question: Why did you not do more detailed analysis of
…?
Defend: I did not do that because . . .
Define-defend: What I did was . . . My reasons for doing
that were…I could have…by… But I decided not to do
that because …
Murray (2003) pp.90-97
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Viva strategies & skills
• Defining
• Being specific
• Being explicit
• Elaborating
• Highlights
• Deflecting criticism
Murray (2003) pp.90-97
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Practice
• Answering questions
– With different people: students, staff,
friends
– Using viva strategies and defence
language
– Mental practice
• Discuss research with peers
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Key questions
• Why did you choose this topic?
• Spend 1 minute writing why you chose this
topic
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Key questions
• Can you describe the different steps
involved in your research?
• Spend 1 minute writing out a response to
this question
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Key questions
• What is your “USP”? What is new and
different about your topic?
• You must narrow this down to one or two
ideas/comments.
• Discuss with your partner and report back
to group (5 minutes)
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Practice - Rehearsal
• Mock viva rehearsal with peer or fellow
student
• Mock viva rehearsal with supervisor
• Visualise viva
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Dealing with nerves!
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Pair work
• Pick a possible viva question or create a
possible question
• Exchange it with your partner
• Take turns to practise your answer
keeping in mind what has been covered
with regard to effective presentations and
tips for surviving your viva
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On the day
• Be early
• Be careful what you wear
• Bring a drink
• Bring a pad and pen (although don’t
expect to take many notes)
• Expect to be nervous but try to deal with it
positively/constructively
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On the day
• Check list:
- List of corrections
- Pen and paper
- Tissues
- Drink
- Copy of your thesis, especially your
summary and abstract
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How long does it last?
Length of viva Natural and applied
sciences (%)
Arts, humanities and
social sciences (%)
Up to 1 hour 3% 27%
1-2 hours 40% 56%
2-3 hours 43% 15%
3+ hours 15% 2%
Source: Tinkler and Jackson, The Doctoral Examination Process, SPHE & Open
University Press, Maidenhead: 2004, page 173
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Final Advice
• Expect to be nervous
• Practice your answers beforehand
• Don’t agree with everything they say but
don’t be arrogant
• Expect some corrections
• Make sure you are clear about important
dates
• Good luck!
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Planning
Take one minute to make a
list of the things you need to
do to prepare for your viva as
a result of attending this
workshop
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References
Murray, R. (2003). How to survive your viva: Defending a thesis in an
oral examination. Maidenhead: Open University Press.
Tinkler, P. & Jackson, C. (2004). The Doctoral Examination Process. Maidenhead:
SPHE & Open University Press.
Twigg, D. (1997). Preparing for the PhD Viva. Retrieved from
http://www.sussex.ac.uk/Users/dt31/phdviva.html on 21 April 2008.
http://www.tcd.ie/Graduate_Studies
http://port.igrs.sas.ac.uk
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