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Doctoral assessment presentations (PDF 293kB, 4 pages)
Some of the common pitfalls with doctoral assessment, and how to avoid them are explained here:
Talking at length about either the literature, or your study – but not connecting the two
Be careful not to talk at length about literature or theory, but without making it clear how this pertains to your particular study, why this literature or theory is important. Don’t do the reverse either.
Not being sufficiently precise, critical or theoretical
Be careful that you don’t use key terms without defining them, or without demonstrating that you are aware they are defined in various ways in the literature. Be sure to specify how you are using them in your study, and why you are using these particular terms rather than others.
Make sure your work is not merely descriptive, but also analytical and critical, by discussing what is limited, inadequate or problematic about existing work.
Even if your work is ‘practice-based’, make sure that you clearly articulate a theoretical perspective.
Not explaining or justifying your research methods in sufficient detail
Make sure you provide enough detail about your research methods – e.g. how are you going to collect data, from whom, how many, where will you find research participants, etc.
Not giving enough information
Address key questions like:
- what will you be investigating?
- why is your research needed?
- how will you go about it, and why these choices?
- who will it interest and why?
- when will you do what, to ensure that you submit on time?
Not dealing with audience questions
Before the presentation - predict likely questions and practise answering them.
During the presentation - show that you understand the question.
Always clarify the asker’s intention – then decide whether you answer the question on the spot or respond to it later.
Adapted from the following source:
Nelson, C and San Miguel, C 2002, Preparing for your doctoral assessment, ELSSA Centre, UTS.
Refer also to Presentation skills for important information on giving presentations