Preparing For Your Dissertation Defense (Viva Voce): 9 Questions You MUST Be Ready For (+ Examples)

TL;DR

In this video, a coach discusses nine important questions to prepare for a dissertation or thesis defense, including explaining the study's significance, addressing the evolution of research questions, and identifying biases and limitations.

Transcript

Hey guys, welcome to another episode of Grad Coach  TV, where we demystify the oftentimes confusing   world of academic research. My name is Derek,  and today I am going to be speaking with one   of our trusted coaches, David Fair. David has got  a BSC, an MSC and of course a PHD. Over the last   five years, David has been involved in tutoring  and... Read More

Key Insights

• The video discusses nine common questions that may be asked during a dissertation or thesis defense/viva.
• It is important to clearly articulate the aims, objectives, and research questions of the study, as well as justify them.
• Research questions may evolve during the research process due to factors such as the literature review and initial findings.
• It is necessary to explain the design and methodology of the study, as well as justify the choices made.
• Research limitations and biases should be acknowledged and critically assessed.
• Findings should be related to the existing literature and the research questions.
• The practical implications of the findings and how they can be applied in real-world contexts should be discussed.
• Reflecting on the study, it is important to consider how the approach could be altered or improved if given the opportunity to redo the research.
• The ability to critically assess one's research and learn from it is highly valued.

Questions & Answers

Q: What are some strategies for clearly articulating research aims and objectives during a dissertation or thesis defense?

When explaining research aims and objectives, it is important to be concise and avoid going into excessive detail. Clearly articulate the research focus and the gap it intends to fill. Justify the choice of study and highlight its significance in the field.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The coach discusses the importance of clearly articulating research aims, objectives, and research questions.

• Students should be prepared to explain how their research questions evolved during the research process.

• It is crucial to justify the research design and methodology choices made, while also identifying biases and limitations that may exist.