thesis defense possible questions and answers

The top 10 thesis defense questions (+ how to prepare strong answers)

Crafting a thesis is significant, but defending it often feels like the ultimate test. While nerve-wracking, proper preparation can make it manageable. Prepare for your thesis defense with insights on the top questions you can expect, including strategies for answering convincingly.

Mastering the thesis defense: cultivate a success mindset

Confidence enables you to present your research with conviction, while composure allows you to navigate any challenges with grace and clarity.

Remember, you know your thesis best, so trust in your expertise.

Stay composed and focused, relying on your thorough preparation. If you encounter a question you can’t answer, gracefully guide the conversation back to familiar topics.

By embracing these principles and staying confident and adaptable, you’ll navigate your thesis defense with ease.

Question 1: Why did you choose this particular topic for your research?

Moreover, discuss the gaps you identified in the existing literature that motivated you to contribute to your field. What deficiencies or unanswered questions did you observe? How did these gaps inspire you to embark on your research journey with the aim of filling these voids? By articulating the specific shortcomings in the current body of knowledge, you demonstrate a nuanced understanding of your research area and underscore the significance of your work.

Question 2: How does your research contribute to the existing body of knowledge?

This question delves into the vital role your research plays within the existing body of knowledge, urging you to articulate its significance and impact. It’s not merely about the subject matter you’ve studied, but also about the unique contributions and advancements your research brings to your field. To effectively respond, delve into the intricacies of your work and its implications for the broader academic landscape.

Illuminate how your findings could influence future research trajectories. Explore potential avenues for further inquiry that emerge from your research findings. Consider how your work opens up new questions or areas of exploration for future researchers. By identifying these potential research directions, you demonstrate the forward-looking nature of your work and its potential to shape the future trajectory of your field.

Question 3: What are the key findings of your research?

Furthermore, relate these findings to the broader implications they hold for your field. Articulate how your research contributes to advancing knowledge or addressing pressing issues within your academic discipline. Consider the potential impact of your findings on theory, practice, or policy, highlighting their relevance and significance within the larger scholarly community.

Question 4: Can you defend your research methodology?

Defending your research methodology entails a comprehensive understanding of its rationale, alignment with research objectives, and acknowledgment of potential limitations. It’s not merely about explaining the methods employed but also justifying why they were chosen over alternative approaches. To effectively respond, delve into the intricacies of your methodology and its implications for the study.

Be prepared to discuss the limitations inherent in your chosen methodology and how you mitigated them. Acknowledge any constraints or shortcomings associated with the selected approach, such as potential biases, sample size limitations, or data collection challenges. Demonstrate your awareness of these limitations and discuss the strategies implemented to address or minimize their impact on the validity and reliability of your findings.

Question 5: How did you analyze the data and what challenges did you encounter?

Begin by outlining the techniques used for data analysis. Describe the specific methods, tools, and software employed to process and interpret the data collected. Whether it involved quantitative statistical analysis, qualitative coding techniques, or a combination of both, provide insights into the analytical framework guiding your study. Additionally, discuss the rationale behind the chosen analytical approach and how it aligns with the research objectives and questions.

In summary, when addressing inquiries about data analysis, consider the following key points:

Question 6: What theoretical frameworks or references underpin your research?

Begin by naming the key theories and seminal works that guided your research. Identify the theoretical frameworks that provided the conceptual scaffolding for your study, as well as the seminal works that shaped your understanding of the research area. Discuss how these theories and references informed your research design, methodology, and analytical approach, providing a theoretical lens through which to interpret your findings.

Elucidate on how these frameworks shaped your hypothesis and analysis. Describe how the theoretical perspectives and insights gleaned from seminal works informed the development of your research questions, hypotheses, and analytical framework. Discuss the ways in which these theoretical frameworks guided your data collection and interpretation, influencing the selection of variables, measures, and analytical techniques employed in your study.

In summary, when addressing inquiries about theoretical frameworks, consider the following key points:

Question 7: How did you address ethical considerations in your research?

When addressing ethical considerations in your research, it’s essential to demonstrate a commitment to upholding ethical standards and protecting the rights and well-being of participants. Responding to inquiries about ethical protocols involves explaining the steps taken to ensure ethical conduct throughout the research process, describing the consent process and data protection measures implemented, and mentioning any institutional review board (IRB) approvals obtained.

Mention any institutional ethics review board approvals you obtained. Highlight any formal ethical review processes or approvals obtained from relevant regulatory bodies, such as IRBs or ethics committees. Discuss how the research protocol was reviewed for compliance with ethical guidelines and standards, including considerations of participant welfare, informed consent procedures, and data protection measures. By acknowledging the oversight and approval of institutional review bodies, you demonstrate your commitment to ethical integrity and accountability in conducting research involving human subjects.

Question 8: In what ways does your research contribute to the field?

Begin by detailing the novel insights your thesis provides. Articulate the key findings, discoveries, or perspectives that distinguish your research from existing literature and contribute to advancing knowledge within your field. Discuss how your study fills gaps in current understanding, challenges established assumptions, or offers innovative approaches to addressing pressing issues, highlighting its potential to generate new avenues of inquiry and broaden the scope of scholarly discourse.

In summary, when addressing inquiries about the contributions of your research to the field, consider the following key points:

Question 9: How did you ensure your research was free from bias?

Describe any blind or double-blind procedures employed in the study. Explain how blinding techniques were used to prevent bias in data collection, analysis, or interpretation. This may involve withholding certain information from researchers or participants to minimize the potential for conscious or unconscious bias to influence the results. Discuss how these procedures were implemented and their impact on enhancing the credibility and impartiality of the research outcomes.

Question 10: Where can future research go from here?

When considering the potential trajectory of your research topic, it’s essential to identify areas where further investigation could yield valuable insights, discuss unexplored questions that emerged from your research, and reflect on the limitations of your study as starting points for future research endeavors. Responding to inquiries about the future direction of research involves suggesting fruitful areas for further investigation, highlighting unresolved questions, and leveraging the limitations of your study as opportunities for future exploration.

Reflect on the limitations of your study as starting points for future research. Acknowledge any constraints, biases, or methodological shortcomings that may have influenced the outcomes or interpretations of your study. Discuss how these limitations provide opportunities for future research to refine methodologies, address confounding variables, or explore alternative theoretical frameworks. Consider how addressing these limitations could enhance the validity, reliability, and generalizability of future research findings within your field.

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17 Thesis Defense Questions and How to Answer Them

A thesis defense gives you the chance to show off your thesis work and demonstrate your expertise in your field of study. During this one- to two-hour discussion with the members of your thesis committee, you'll have some control over how you present your research, but your committee will ask you some prodding questions to test your knowledge and preparedness. They will all have read your thesis beforehand, so their questions will relate to your study, topic, methods, data sample, and other aspects.

A good defense requires mastery of the thesis itself, so before you consider the questions you might face,

1. What is your topic, and why did you choose it?

Give a quick summary in just a few sentences on what you've researched. You could certainly go on for hours about your work, but make sure you prepare a way to give a very brief overview of your thesis. Then, give a quick background on your process for choosing this topic.

2. How does your topic contribute to the existing literature? How is it important?

Many researchers identify a need in the field and choose a topic to bridge the gaps that previous literature has failed to cover. For example, previous studies might not have included a certain population, region, or circumstance. Talk about how your thesis enhances the general understanding of the topic to extend the reach beyond what others have found, and then give examples of why the world needs that increased understanding. For instance, a thesis on romaine lettuce crops in desert climates might bring much-needed knowledge to a region that might not have been represented in previous work.

3. What are the key findings of your study?

When reporting your main results, make sure you have a handle on how detailed your committee wants you to be. Give yourself several options by preparing 1) a very general, quick summary of your findings that takes a minute or less, 2) a more detailed rundown of what your study revealed that is 3-5 minutes long, and 3) a 10- to 15-minute synopsis that delves into your results in detail. With each of these responses prepared, you can gauge which one is most appropriate in the moment, based on what your committee asks you and what has already been requested.

4. What type of background research did you do for your study?

Here you'll describe what you did while you were deciding what to study. This usually includes a literary review to determine what previous researchers have already introduced to the field. You also likely had to look into whether your study was going to be possible and what you would need in order to collect the needed data. Did you need info from databases that require permissions or fees?

5. What was your hypothesis, and how did you form it?

Describe the expected results you had for your study and whether your hypothesis came from previous research experience, long-held expectations, or cultural myths.

6. What limitations did you face when writing your text?

It's inevitable — researchers will face roadblocks or limiting factors during their work. This could be a limited population you had access to, like if you had a great method of surveying university students, but you didn't have a way to reach out to other people who weren't attending that school.

7. Why did you choose your particular method for your study?

Different research methods are more fitting to specific studies than others (e.g., qualitative vs. quantitative ), and knowing this, you applied a method that would present your findings most effectively. What factors led you to choose your method?

8. Who formed the sample group of your study, and why did you choose this population?

Many factors go into the selection of a participant group. Perhaps you were motivated to survey women over 50 who experience burnout in the workplace. Did you take extra measures to target this population? Or perhaps you found a sample group that responded more readily to your request for participation, and after hitting dead ends for months, convenience is what shaped your study population. Make sure to present your reasoning in an honest but favorable way.

9. What obstacles or limitations did you encounter while working with your sample?

Outline the process of pursuing respondents for your study and the difficulties you faced in collecting enough quality data for your thesis. Perhaps the decisions you made took shape based on the participants you ended up interviewing.

10. Was there something specific you were expecting to find during your analysis?

Expectations are natural when you set out to explore a topic, especially one you've been dancing around throughout your academic career. This question can refer to your hypotheses , but it can also touch on your personal feelings and expectations about this topic. What did you believe you would find when you dove deeper into the subject? Was that what you actually found, or were you surprised by your results?

11. What did you learn from your study?

Your response to this question can include not only the basic findings of your work (if you haven't covered this already) but also some personal surprises you might have found that veered away from your expectations. Sometimes these details are not included in the thesis, so these details can add some spice to your defense.

12. What are the recommendations from your study?

With connection to the reasons you chose the topic, your results can address the problems your work is solving. Give specifics on how policymakers, professionals in the field, etc., can improve their service with the knowledge your thesis provides.

13. If given the chance, what would you do differently?

Your response to this one can include the limitations you encountered or dead ends you hit that wasted time and funding. Try not to dwell too long on the annoyances of your study, and consider an area of curiosity; for example, discuss an area that piqued your interest during your exploration that would have been exciting to pursue but didn't directly benefit your outlined study.

14. How did you relate your study to the existing theories in the literature?

Your paper likely ties your ideas into those of other researchers, so this could be an easy one to answer. Point out how similar your work is to some and how it contrasts other works of research; both contribute greatly to the overall body of research.

15. What is the future scope of this study?

This one is pretty easy, since most theses include recommendations for future research within the text. That means you already have this one covered, and since you read over your thesis before your defense, it's already fresh in your mind.

16. What do you plan to do professionally after you complete your study?

This is a question directed more to you and your future professional plans. This might align with the research you performed, and if so, you can direct your question back to your research, maybe mentioning the personal motivations you have for pursuing study of that subject.

17. Do you have any questions?

Although your thesis defense feels like an interrogation, and you're the one in the spotlight, it provides an ideal opportunity to gather input from your committee, if you want it. Possible questions you could ask are: What were your impressions when reading my thesis? Do you believe I missed any important steps or details when conducting my work? Where do you see this work going in the future?

Bonus tip: What if you get asked a question to which you don't know the answer? You can spend weeks preparing to defend your thesis, but you might still be caught off guard when you don't know exactly what's coming. You can be ready for this situation by preparing a general strategy. It's okay to admit that your thesis doesn't offer the answers to everything – your committee won't reasonably expect it to do so. What you can do to sound (and feel!) confident and knowledgeable is to refer to a work of literature you have encountered in your research and draw on that work to give an answer. For example, you could respond, "My thesis doesn't directly address your question, but my study of Dr. Leifsen's work provided some interesting insights on that subject…." By preparing a way to address curveball questions, you can maintain your cool and create the impression that you truly are an expert in your field.

After you're done answering the questions your committee presents to you, they will either approve your thesis or suggest changes you should make to your paper. Regardless of the outcome, your confidence in addressing the questions presented to you will communicate to your thesis committee members that you know your stuff. Preparation can ease a lot of anxiety surrounding this event, so use these possible questions to make sure you can present your thesis feeling relaxed, prepared, and confident.

Header image by Kasto .

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25 Thesis/Dissertation Defense Questions

December 17, 2023

When you’re considering going to graduate school , or you’re about to defend your master’s thesis or PhD dissertation, chances are you’ve come across something called the thesis defense. The thesis defense is arguably one of the most fundamental steps to take in order to attain your graduate degree. Each university will have its own tailored expectations of the thesis defense. Yet, as a whole, the thesis defense is an opportunity for you to demonstrate in front of the committee the extensive research you’ve completed and the critical skills you’ve developed. Due to the critical nature of the various thesis defense questions/dissertation defense questions you’ll be asked, it’s best to be prepared and practice with other students. Try to even attend a thesis defense if you can. Overall, consider the thesis defense as a chance to showcase how you’ll best contribute to that academic field of research.

The thesis defense can range from anywhere between one to two hours, depending on your program. As a whole, you’ll present how you decided to choose this topic of research, what you discovered, and what those findings led you to realize. The committee – those overseeing and critiquing your thesis defense – will then ask you a series of thesis defense questions, as well as your written thesis because they’ll have already read it by then. In most cases, by the end of the questioning, the committee will either decide to approve your thesis or give you possible suggestions on how to reapproach your research.

How to best prepare for thesis defense questions

Much like preparing for the GRE or deciding what graduate program you wanted to apply to at the beginning of your graduate academic journey, familiarizing yourself with what to expect on the day of your thesis defense will only lighten the burden. Whether you’re a new master’s student or considering how to pursue a PhD , it’s important to know ahead of time how to best prepare for the thesis defense questions. If you’re getting ready to defend the master’s thesis or prepare for dissertation defense questions, see how you can answer the following thesis defense questions that might come your way on the day of the presentation.

1)  What does your research focus on?

Be ready to state right away the synopsis of your research. Although it may seem like a simple, straightforward question, the committee will be looking to see the terminology you use when describing the focus of your research.

2) What influenced you to research this topic?

The committee will be interested in knowing what influenced you to choose this specific topic of research. What motivated you? Shape your answer in a way that reflects the field of study your topic of interest is in and the issues that stood out to you.

3) What does your study encompass and cover?

Consider the parameters and scope of your research for your thesis defense. By defining and delineating the grounds that you covered with your research, you will inform the committee with a better understanding of how you decided to focus on your topic of interest.

Thesis Defense Questions (Continued)

4) what was the goal of your research.

This question will surface often whether you are defending your master’s thesis or preparing for the dissertation defense questions. It’s important to state what your thesis meant to achieve. Think of what the core focus of your thesis is, and state how that was the driving factor in your research.

5) What were your expectations going into this research?

Describe how your hypothesis was formed. Were there any things you had expected or any preconceived notions you had on this topic before you pursued this research? Where did these expectations come from? Did any previous research affect the way you approached your thesis defense as a whole?

Defending a Thesis (Continued)

6) what did you study that made you want to conduct this research project.

This is a great opportunity for you to show what literature you reviewed that led you to pursue the research. Be ready to discuss the literary review of what has already been contributed to this field of study. Reflect on the realizations made when confronting certain data and if it was feasible for you to conduct your research given the existing contributions. Examining this type of literary review will serve you well during the following thesis defense questions.

7)  Who is the targeted audience for this research?

It will be important to state who the targeted audience is, or what types of people will be affected by your research. Will these particular parties benefit from your research? How will they be affected? Consider not just the targeted audience, but also those in parallel groups who may be impacted by your findings.

8)  Why did you choose this title for your research? – thesis defense questions

The way you have named and titled your research will convey what you consider most important to the committee. What does your research try to explain in the given title? Is there a reason you chose the specific words in your title to convey a main point? The committee will want to see the intentionality of every word here and how it relates back to your research.

9)  How did you conduct your research questions and did your approach change?

While you were preparing and conducting your research, you might have found that your research questions were changing, depending on the sample you were studying. Oftentimes, if you are utilizing qualitative research methodology, the types of qualitative questions may change based on the answer. How did that change affect your research process? Did you have to shift your approach to the subject matter or reconsider focus groups?

10)  What impact does your research have on the existing literature?

Reflect on how your research made a contribution to the overall understanding of the field at hand. Think of why this was necessary and state that concisely. This will trickle into other thesis defense questions.

11)  Did you address any gaps in the field of your research?

Answering this thesis defense question will show how significant the findings of your research are. The goal of anyone’s research is to fill in the gaps of a field. Why did the pre-existing literature not suffice to address the focus of your research?

12)  What did you come across during your research?

It helps to have options of how you’ll convey this. Try to be prepared to summarize in detail, within a minute, what your findings were. Then see what you can paraphrase in 5 minutes. How about in 10 minutes? Doing so will assist you in identifying the most relevant piece of information based on how the committee asks you this thesis defense question.

13)  Did you find anything unexpected or surprising during your research process? – thesis defense questions

This would be a good opportunity for you to state how any surprises you came across helped you make certain decisions about your research. While you defend the master’s thesis and think of how you’ll prepare for the PhD dissertation defense questions, this is a “curveball” moment that demonstrates how you took charge of the challenge presented and continued your research despite what you had confronted.

14)  Under what parameters is your research valid?

Parameters were mentioned in question 3 above, but consider the specific conditions that would need to be in place for your findings to be valid. What are the elements that would have to be in place? Be ready to identify these during this thesis defense question.

15)  What were the challenges when conducting your research?

Were there any roadblocks you faced when gathering your data? Did you have to reconsider your research methodology at all? Identifying this will help the committee understand the direction and trajectory of your research.

16)  What were the challenges when working with your subject matter?

If you were interviewing people, did the focus groups not adhere to what you had asked them to do? Why? Walk the committee through your approach here.

17)  Why did you choose the research methodology that you chose?

While you’re defending the master’s thesis or answering dissertation defense questions, you’ll be asked specific questions about your research methodology. Was it qualitative? Quantitative? Why? What made you believe that this would be the most effective way to conduct your research?

18)  How did you form your hypothesis?

Tie back in your expectations for your research and consider what you thought the expected results would be for this thesis defense question. Were there any factors, both past or recent, that had helped shape your hypothesis?

19)  How did you gather the data to conduct your research and what sources did you use?

Recount what steps you took to decide how to access the data. Did certain libraries offer more resources? Was there any censorship that you came across that posed as a roadblock to collecting data?

20)  What are the practical implications of your research?

For both master’s and PhD students, this is always an important thesis defense question to keep in mind. In life outside of the academic institution, how will your research be of practical use to society? It’s a question that most graduate students ask about themselves before graduating, so it’s best to know how to answer this one about your research!

21)  How did you decide what samples to study in the research you found? What was your approach in using sample groups?

For example, if you used sample or focus groups, how did you go about selecting these groups? How did you get access to the data here? Don’t be hesitant to state the challenges you might have faced while doing so. As long as you frame it in a way that helps provide a more intricate portrait of the trajectory of your research, you’re on the right path.

22)  What are the independent and dependent variables in your research?

Use this thesis defense question to show how balanced your research methodology was by naming the different factors. How did the independent variables affect how the dependent variables changed?

Dissertation Defense Questions (Continued)

23)  considering your contribution to this field of research, where else would require further research what more needs to be done in this field.

As a master’s student defending your master’s thesis or as a PhD candidate preparing for your dissertation defense questions, you are already a researcher. And as a researcher, you must present what else must be done in your field of research on top of what you’ve accomplished. What does your research further suggest?

24)  What did you ultimately gather from your research? What did you learn during and after the process? – thesis defense questions 

Aside from stating your findings as a whole, this would be a good moment to express if you found anything significant outside of your thesis that you hadn’t expected. Was there something you learned while gathering your data or writing up your text that you never thought you’d come across?

25)  After you complete your degree, what do you want to pursue professionally?

It’s not uncommon for master’s or PhD students to not know exactly what they want to do once they graduate. But for this last thesis defense question, it’s good to have a solid answer that will tie back into the research you’ve done. Do you have further research plans in this field? Do you want to pursue a profession that would enable this and strengthen the practical reality of it?

Thesis Defense Questions – Additional Resources

We hope you found this list of common thesis defense questions useful as you prepare for defending your thesis. Other articles that you may find relevant include:

• Top Feeders to PhD Programs
• Do You Need a Master’s to get a PhD?
• How to Write a Grad School Statement of Purpose
• Graduate School Admissions

Joanna Hong

With a BA from Pitzer College and an MA from University College London, Joanna has worked in London, Berlin, and Los Angeles covering many cultural and political issues with organizations such as Byline Media, NK News, and Free Turkey Media. A freelancer for The New York Times, her work has also appeared in Newsweek, Dazed and Confused Magazine, and The Guardian, among others. In addition, Joanna was the recipient of the 2021 PEN America Emerging Voices Fellowship in Fiction and is currently completing her first novel.

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Preparing For Your Dissertation Defense

13 Key Questions To Expect In The Viva Voce

By: Derek Jansen (MBA) & David Phair (PhD) . Reviewed By: Dr Eunice Rautenbach | June 2021

Preparing for your dissertation or thesis defense (also called a “viva voce”) is a formidable task . All your hard work over the years leads you to this one point, and you’ll need to defend yourself against some of the most experienced researchers you’ve encountered so far.

It’s natural to feel a little nervous.

In this post, we’ll cover some of the most important questions you should be able to answer in your viva voce, whether it’s for a Masters or PhD degree. Naturally, they might not arise in exactly the same form (some may not come up at all), but if you can answer these questions well, it means you’re in a good position to tackle your oral defense.

Viva Voce Prep: 13 Essential Questions

• What is your study about and why did you choose to research this in particular?
• How did your research questions evolve during the research process?
• How did you decide on which sources to include in your literature review?
• How did you design your study and why did you take this approach?
• How generalisable and valid are the findings?
• What were the main shortcomings and limitations created by your research design?
• How did your findings relate to the existing literature?
• What were your key findings in relation to the research questions?
• Were there any findings that surprised you?
• What biases may exist in your research?
• How can your findings be put into practice?
• How has your research contributed to current thinking in the field?
• If you could redo your research, how would you alter your approach?

#1: What is your study about and why did you choose to research this in particular?

This question, a classic party starter, is pretty straightforward.

What the dissertation or thesis committee is assessing here is your ability to clearly articulate your research aims, objectives and research questions in a concise manner. Concise is the keyword here – you need to clearly explain your research topic without rambling on for a half-hour. Don’t feel the need to go into the weeds here – you’ll have many opportunities to unpack the details later on.

In the second half of the question, they’re looking for a brief explanation of the justification of your research. In other words, why was this particular set of research aims, objectives and questions worth addressing? To address this question well in your oral defense, you need to make it clear what gap existed within the research and why that gap was worth filling.

#2: How did your research questions evolve during the research process?

Good research generally follows a long and winding path . It’s seldom a straight line (unless you got really lucky). What they’re assessing here is your ability to follow that path and let the research process unfold.

Specifically, they’ll want to hear about the impact that the literature review process had on you in terms of shaping the research aims, objectives and research questions . For example, you may have started with a certain set of aims, but then as you immersed yourself in the literature, you may have changed direction. Similarly, your initial fieldwork findings may have turned out some unexpected data that drove you to adjust or expand on your initial research questions.

Long story short – a good defense involves clearly describing your research journey , including all the twists and turns. Adjusting your direction based on findings in the literature or the fieldwork shows that you’re responsive , which is essential for high-quality research.

#3: How did you decide on which sources to include in your literature review?

A comprehensive literature review is the foundation of any high-quality piece of research. With this question, your dissertation or thesis committee are trying to assess which quality criteria and approach you used to select the sources for your literature review.

Typically, good research draws on both the seminal work in the respective field and more recent sources . In other words, a combination of the older landmark studies and pivotal work, along with up-to-date sources that build on to those older studies. This combination ensures that the study has a rock-solid foundation but is not out of date.

So, make sure that your study draws on a mix of both the “classics” and new kids on the block, and take note of any major evolutions in the literature that you can use as an example when asked this question in your viva voce.

#4: How did you design your study and why did you take this approach?

This is a classic methodological question that you can almost certainly expect in some or other shape.

What they’re looking for here is a clear articulation of the research design and methodology, as well as a strong justification of each choice . So, you need to be able to walk through each methodological choice and clearly explain both what you did and why you did it. The why is particularly important – you need to be able to justify each choice you made by clearly linking your design back to your research aims, objectives and research questions, while also taking into account practical constraints.

To ensure you cover every base, check out our research methodology vlog post , as well as our post covering the Research Onion .

#5: How generalizable and valid are the findings?

This question is aimed at specifically digging into your understanding of the sample and how that relates to the population, as well as potential validity issues in your methodology.

To answer question this well, you’ll need to critically assess your sample and findings and consider if they truly apply to the entire population, as well as whether they assessed what they set out to. Note that there are two components here – generalizability and validity . Generalizability is about how well the sample represents the population. Validity is about how accurately you’ve measured what you intended to measure .

To ace this part of your dissertation defense, make sure that you’re very familiar with the concepts of generalizability , validity and reliability , and how these apply to your research. Remember, you don’t need to achieve perfection – you just need to be aware of the strengths and weaknesses of your research (and how the weaknesses could be improved upon).

Need a helping hand?

#6: What were the main shortcomings and limitations created by your research design?

This question picks up where the last one left off.

As I mentioned, it’s perfectly natural that your research will have shortcomings and limitations as a result of your chosen design and methodology. No piece of research is flawless. Therefore, a good dissertation defense is not about arguing that your work is perfect, but rather it’s about clearly articulating the strengths and weaknesses of your approach.

To address this question well, you need to think critically about all of the potential weaknesses your design may have, as well as potential responses to these (which could be adopted in future research) to ensure you’re well prepared for this question. For a list of common methodological limitations, check out our video about research limitations here .

#7: How did your findings relate to the existing literature?

This common dissertation defense question links directly to your discussion chapter , where you would have presented and discussed the findings in relation to your literature review.

What your dissertation or thesis committee is assessing here is your ability to compare your study’s findings to the findings of existing research . Specifically, you need to discuss which findings aligned with existing research and which findings did not. For those findings that contrasted against existing research, you should also explain what you believe to be the reasons for this.

As with many questions in a viva voce, it’s both the what and the why that matter here. So, you need to think deeply about what the underlying reasons may be for both the similarities and differences between your findings and those of similar studies.

#8: What were your key findings in relation to the research questions?

This question is similar to the last one in that it too focuses on your research findings. However, here the focus is specifically on the findings that directly relate to your research questions (as opposed to findings in general).

So, a good way to prepare for this question is to step back and revisit your research questions . Ask yourself the following:

• What exactly were you asking in those questions, and what did your research uncover concerning them?
• Which questions were well answered by your study and which ones were lacking?
• Why were they lacking and what more could be done to address this in future research?

Conquering this part dissertation defense requires that you focus squarely on the research questions. Your study will have provided many findings (hopefully!), and not all of these will link directly to the research questions. Therefore, you need to clear your mind of all of the fascinating side paths your study may have lead you down and regain a clear focus on the research questions .

#9: Were there any findings that surprised you?

This question is two-pronged.

First, you should discuss the surprising findings that were directly related to the original research questions . Going into your research, you likely had some expectations in terms of what you would find, so this is your opportunity to discuss the outcomes that emerged as contrary to what you initially expected. You’ll also want to think about what the reasons for these contrasts may be.

Second, you should discuss the findings that weren’t directly related to the research questions, but that emerged from the data set . You may have a few or you may have none – although generally there are a handful of interesting musings that you can glean from the data set. Again, make sure you can articulate why you find these interesting and what it means for future research in the area.

What the committee is looking for in this type of question is your ability to interpret the findings holistically and comprehensively , and to respond to unexpected data. So, take the time to zoom out and reflect on your findings thoroughly.

#10: What biases may exist in your research?

Biases… we all have them.

For this question, you’ll need to think about potential biases in your research , in the data itself but also in your interpretation of the data. With this question, your committee is assessing whether you have considered your own potential biases and the biases inherent in your analysis approach (i.e. your methodology). So, think carefully about these research biases and be ready to explain how these may exist in your study.

In an oral defense, this question is often followed up with a question on how the biases were mitigated or could be mitigated in future research. So, give some thought not just to what biases may exist, but also the mitigation measures (in your own study and for future research).

#11: How can your findings be put into practice?

Another classic question in the typical viva voce.

With this question, your committee is assessing your ability to bring your findings back down to earth and demonstrate their practical value and application. Importantly, this question is not about the contribution to academia or the overall field of research (we’ll get to that next) – it is specifically asking about how this newly created knowledge can be used in the real world.

Naturally, the actionability of your findings will vary depending on the nature of your research topic. Some studies will produce many action points and some won’t. If you’re researching marketing strategies within an industry, for example, you should be able to make some very specific recommendations for marketing practitioners in that industry.

To help you flesh out points for this question, look back at your original justification for the research (i.e. in your introduction and literature review chapters). What were the driving forces that led you to research your specific topic? That justification should help you identify ways in which your findings can be put into practice.

#12: How has your research contributed to current thinking in the field?

While the previous question was aimed at practical contribution, this question is aimed at theoretical contribution . In other words, what is the significance of your study within the current body of research? How does it fit into the existing research and what does it add to it?

This question is often asked by a field specialist and is used to assess whether you’re able to place your findings into the research field to critically convey what your research contributed. This argument needs to be well justified – in other words, you can’t just discuss what your research contributed, you need to also back each proposition up with a strong why .

To answer this question well, you need to humbly consider the quality and impact of your work and to be realistic in your response. You don’t want to come across as arrogant (“my work is groundbreaking”), nor do you want to undersell the impact of your work. So, it’s important to strike the right balance between realistic and pessimistic .

This question also opens the door to questions about potential future research . So, think about what future research opportunities your study has created and which of these you feel are of the highest priority.

#13: If you could redo your research, how would you alter your approach?

This question is often used to wrap up a viva voce as it brings the discussion full circle.

Here, your committee is again assessing your ability to clearly identify and articulate the limitations and shortcomings of your research, both in terms of research design and topic focus . Perhaps, in hindsight, it would have been better to use a different analysis method or data set. Perhaps the research questions should have leaned in a slightly different direction. And so on.

This question intends to assess whether you’re able to look at your work critically , assess where the weaknesses are and make recommendations for the future . This question often sets apart those who did the research purely because it was required, from those that genuinely engaged with their research. So, don’t hold back here – reflect on your entire research journey ask yourself how you’d do things differently if you were starting with a  blank canvas today.

Recap: The 13 Key Dissertation Defense Questions

To recap, here are the 13 questions you need to be ready for to ace your dissertation or thesis oral defense:

As I mentioned, this list of dissertation defense questions is certainly not exhaustive – don’t assume that we’ve covered every possible question here. However, these questions are quite likely to come up in some shape or form in a typical dissertation or thesis defense, whether it’s for a Master’s degree, PhD or any other research degree. So, you should take the time to make sure you can answer them well.

If you need assistance preparing for your dissertation defense or viva voce, get in touch with us to discuss 1-on-1 coaching. We can critically review your research and identify potential issues and responses, as well as undertake a mock oral defense to prepare you for the pressures and stresses on the day.

Psst... there’s more!

This post was based on one of our popular Research Bootcamps . If you're working on a research project, you'll definitely want to check this out ...

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13 Comments

Very interesting

Interesting. I appreciate!

Really appreciating

My field is International Trade

Interesting

This is a full course on defence. I was fabulously enlightened and I gained enough confidence for my upcoming Masters Defence.

There are many lessons to learn and the simplicity in presentationmakes thee reader say “YesI can”

This is so helping… it has Enlightened me on how to answer specific questions. I pray to make it through for my upcoming defense

Lovely to hear that 🙂

Really educative and beneficial

Interesting. On-point and elaborate. And comforting too! Thanks.

Thank you very much for the enlightening me, be blessed

Thankyou so much. I am planning to defend my thesis soon and I found this very useful

Very interesting and useful to all masters and PhD students

Wow! this is enlightening. Thanks for the great work.

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How to prepare an excellent thesis defense

What is a thesis defense?

How long is a thesis defense, what happens at a thesis defense, your presentation, questions from the committee, 6 tips to help you prepare for your thesis defense, 1. anticipate questions and prepare for them, 2. dress for success, 3. ask for help, as needed, 4. have a backup plan, 5. prepare for the possibility that you might not know an answer, 6. de-stress before, during, and after, frequently asked questions about preparing an excellent thesis defense, related articles.

If you're about to complete, or have ever completed a graduate degree, you have most likely come across the term "thesis defense." In many countries, to finish a graduate degree, you have to write a thesis .

A thesis is a large paper, or multi-chapter work, based on a topic relating to your field of study.

Once you hand in your thesis, you will be assigned a date to defend your work. Your thesis defense meeting usually consists of you and a committee of two or more professors working in your program. It may also include other people, like professionals from other colleges or those who are working in your field.

During your thesis defense, you will be asked questions about your work. The main purpose of your thesis defense is for the committee to make sure that you actually understand your field and focus area.

The questions are usually open-ended and require the student to think critically about their work. By the time of your thesis defense, your paper has already been evaluated. The questions asked are not designed so that you actually have to aggressively "defend" your work; often, your thesis defense is more of a formality required so that you can get your degree.

• Check with your department about requirements and timing.
• Re-read your thesis.
• Anticipate questions and prepare for them.
• Create a back-up plan to deal with technology hiccups.
• Plan de-stressing activities both before, and after, your defense.

How long your oral thesis defense is depends largely on the institution and requirements of your degree. It is best to consult your department or institution about this. In general, a thesis defense may take only 20 minutes, but it may also take two hours or more. The length also depends on how much time is allocated to the presentation and questioning part.

Tip: Check with your department or institution as soon as possible to determine the approved length for a thesis defense.

First of all, be aware that a thesis defense varies from country to country. This is just a general overview, but a thesis defense can take many different formats. Some are closed, others are public defenses. Some take place with two committee members, some with more examiners.

The same goes for the length of your thesis defense, as mentioned above. The most important first step for you is to clarify with your department what the structure of your thesis defense will look like. In general, your thesis defense will include:

• your presentation of around 20-30 minutes
• questions from the committee
• questions from the audience (if the defense is public and the department allows it)

You might have to give a presentation, often with Powerpoint, Google slides, or Keynote slides. Make sure to prepare an appropriate amount of slides. A general rule is to use about 10 slides for a 20-minute presentation.

But that also depends on your specific topic and the way you present. The good news is that there will be plenty of time ahead of your thesis defense to prepare your slides and practice your presentation alone and in front of friends or family.

Tip: Practice delivering your thesis presentation in front of family, friends, or colleagues.

You can prepare your slides by using information from your thesis' first chapter (the overview of your thesis) as a framework or outline. Substantive information in your thesis should correspond with your slides.

Make sure your slides are of good quality— both in terms of the integrity of the information and the appearance. If you need more help with how to prepare your presentation slides, both the ASQ Higher Education Brief and James Hayton have good guidelines on the topic.

The committee will ask questions about your work after you finish your presentation. The questions will most likely be about the core content of your thesis, such as what you learned from the study you conducted. They may also ask you to summarize certain findings and to discuss how your work will contribute to the existing body of knowledge.

Tip: Read your entire thesis in preparation of the questions, so you have a refreshed perspective on your work.

While you are preparing, you can create a list of possible questions and try to answer them. You can foresee many of the questions you will get by simply spending some time rereading your thesis.

Here are a few tips on how to prepare for your thesis defense:

You can absolutely prepare for most of the questions you will be asked. Read through your thesis and while you're reading it, create a list of possible questions. In addition, since you will know who will be on the committee, look at the academic expertise of the committee members. In what areas would they most likely be focused?

If possible, sit at other thesis defenses with these committee members to get a feel for how they ask and what they ask. As a graduate student, you should generally be adept at anticipating test questions, so use this advantage to gather as much information as possible before your thesis defense meeting.

Your thesis defense is a formal event, often the entire department or university is invited to participate. It signals a critical rite of passage for graduate students and faculty who have supported them throughout a long and challenging process.

While most universities don't have specific rules on how to dress for that event, do regard it with dignity and respect. This one might be a no-brainer, but know that you should dress as if you were on a job interview or delivering a paper at a conference.

It might help you deal with your stress before your thesis defense to entrust someone with the smaller but important responsibilities of your defense well ahead of schedule. This trusted person could be responsible for:

• preparing the room of the day of defense
• setting up equipment for the presentation
• preparing and distributing handouts

Technology is unpredictable. Life is too. There are no guarantees that your Powerpoint presentation will work at all or look the way it is supposed to on the big screen. We've all been there. Make sure to have a plan B for these situations. Handouts can help when technology fails, and an additional clean shirt can save the day if you have a spill.

One of the scariest aspects of the defense is the possibility of being asked a question you can't answer. While you can prepare for some questions, you can never know exactly what the committee will ask.

There will always be gaps in your knowledge. But your thesis defense is not about being perfect and knowing everything, it's about how you deal with challenging situations. You are not expected to know everything.

James Hayton writes on his blog that examiners will sometimes even ask questions they don't know the answer to, out of curiosity, or because they want to see how you think. While it is ok sometimes to just say "I don't know", he advises to try something like "I don't know, but I would think [...] because of x and y, but you would need to do [...] in order to find out.” This shows that you have the ability to think as an academic.

You will be nervous. But your examiners will expect you to be nervous. Being well prepared can help minimize your stress, but do know that your examiners have seen this many times before and are willing to help, by repeating questions, for example. Dora Farkas at finishyourthesis.com notes that it’s a myth that thesis committees are out to get you.

Two common symptoms of being nervous are talking really fast and nervous laughs. Try to slow yourself down and take a deep breath. Remember what feels like hours to you are just a few seconds in real life.

• Try meditational breathing right before your defense.
• Get plenty of exercise and sleep in the weeks prior to your defense.
• Have your clothes or other items you need ready to go the night before.
• During your defense, allow yourself to process each question before answering.
• Go to dinner with friends and family, or to a fun activity like mini-golf, after your defense.

Allow yourself to process each question, respond to it, and stop talking once you have responded. While a smile can often help dissolve a difficult situation, remember that nervous laughs can be irritating for your audience.

We all make mistakes and your thesis defense will not be perfect. However, careful preparation, mindfulness, and confidence can help you feel less stressful both before, and during, your defense.

Finally, consider planning something fun that you can look forward to after your defense.

It is completely normal to be nervous. Being well prepared can help minimize your stress, but do know that your examiners have seen this many times before and are willing to help, by repeating questions for example if needed. Slow yourself down, and take a deep breath.

Your thesis defense is not about being perfect and knowing everything, it's about how you deal with challenging situations. James Hayton writes on his blog that it is ok sometimes to just say "I don't know", but he advises to try something like "I don't know, but I would think [...] because of x and y, you would need to do [...] in order to find out".

Your Powerpoint presentation can get stuck or not look the way it is supposed to do on the big screen. It can happen and your supervisors know it. In general, handouts can always save the day when technology fails.

• Dress for success.
• Ask for help setting up.
• Have a backup plan (in case technology fails you).
• Deal with your nerves.

Home » Blog » 25 Most Common Research Project Defense Questions

25 Most Common Research Project Defense Questions

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Most Common Research Project Defense Questions: Presentation Tips

Many students get frightened about what to expect during their final year project defence. Many questions run through students’ minds as they prepare to face the academic panel for their final year project defence. In this article, we will be looking at some of the common questions that are asked during the defence.

Top 25 Likely Project Defense Questions and Answers

Below are likely questions you may face in a defense room. Take note of these questions and suggested answers; do good by researching more and not limiting yourself to just these questions.

Question 1: In a few sentences, can you tell us what your study is all about?

This appears to be the easiest question, right? However, a lot of lecturers have stated that this is the question many students get stuck on. Nevertheless, it is a simple question, but a bit complex. The answer to the question is mastering the contents of each chapter. It is a summary of the study; thus, you should master the abstract.

Question 2: What is your motivation for this study?

This is one of the trickiest questions the panellists will ask you. It will go a long way to clear any doubt about the relevance of your research. This question can come in another way as.

What is the Research Problem?

The answer is the elaboration of the problem of the research. Your desire to answer this problem becomes a motivation for the study. Kindly avoid stating the need to graduate or financial reasons as the motivation for the study.

Question 3: How will this study contribute to the body of knowledge?

During your defence, you might be asked how your final year project will contribute to the existing body of knowledge; at this stage, you will highlight the method employed for the research or theoretical framework or any unique point of the research to defend your standpoint.

Question 4: What is the significance of the study?

Aside from stating the contribution your final year project is making to knowledge, you will also have to state why the project is important to society at large. You are presenting a project, right? But have you ever stopped to ask yourself why it is relevant to society? Think about that and make people realize that what you are proposing is a real differentiator.

This is a very important moment, as it is a chance to show why your final year project should be accepted and the impacts it can bring. Believe me: you can pass if you can be very convincing on this issue.

Question 5: Did you bridge any gap from your study?

Before you embark on any research work, you must have identified a gap you want to fill. Your ability to cover existing knowledge gaps guarantees that you will ace your defence. However, you must be convincing enough and provide valid evidence to back up your point that you fill a lacuna when facing the defence panel.

Question 6: What limitations did you encounter?

Indeed, this question is quite easy; however, it is complicated. When this question is posed, it is not to sympathize with you but rather for you to highlight the weaknesses of your project. Hence, to ace this question, you must be intentional to avoid selling yourself short. Avoid highlighting limitations in your methodology and analysis, as this could be used to state that your research is not well conducted. Rather highlight general limitations such as the time consumption between carrying out research and attending lectures, financial implications of the research.

Question 7: What are your findings?

When asked this question, the aim is to know whether you have achieved the research objectives. This is the time for you to discuss the things you have discovered during the study. Your research findings should always be in sync with your research objectives/questions.

Question 8: What Methods or Sampling Technique did you employ?

In most projects, the answer to this question is the mastery of the third chapter of the project, which is always the methodology. You must be ready to defend the type of sample you choose.

Question 9: Why choose this method?

Following from the above, you must convince the panel why this particular method is the best for your study. At this stage, you should quote similar works that employed the same methodology.

Question 10: Based on your research findings, what are your recommendations?

For most research work, it is important to recommend that many students have been scored low during project defence due to the inability to make recommendations based on the work they have done. Hence, it is highly recommended that you master the recommendations before going for the defence.

Question 11: Based on your findings, what areas will you suggest for future research?

This type of question is to test the mastery of your field of focus. For instance, if you studied the Foreign Policy of Nigeria for Africa between 1960-1967, a good area for further study is to understand Nigeria’s Foreign Policy for Africa after the Civil War.

Question 12: How can your research study be put into practice?

This question is to understand the practicability of your research work. This is quite easy for students in the sciences; however, it is quite challenging for students in the humanities, social sciences, and sometimes the management sciences due to the abstract nature of the researched topics. Nevertheless, try to juxtapose the project with the present environment for the defence panel to be able to relate to your work.

Question 13: How would you summarize your study to a practitioner in a few sentences?

This question is aimed at displaying your ability to pass on technical information. Your confidence and lucidity help you to ace this question.

Question 14: What would you change if you were to conduct the study again?

This is a very tricky question. Like the study’s limitation, it is also asked to highlight the weak points of the research work. So be careful of what you say.

Question 15: What is your measurement Instrument?

To put it simply, what data collection method did you use for your study? To answer this question, you state whether you used secondary sources or questionnaires.

Question 16: What are your research variables?

At this point, you must be fully prepared to prove beyond a reasonable doubt to the defence panel that you understand what your research is all about. You should identify and explain the independent and dependent variables/themes in your project, thesis or dissertation to ace your project defence.

Question 17: What are your research questions?

This is a pretty straightforward question. When you master the statement of the problem, it won’t be difficult to answer the questions which emanated and formed the basis of your research objectives.

Question 18: What do you plan to do with your research project after Graduation?

At this point, the panellists just want to know your plan after the program. So, feel free to speak your mind. If you have plans to publish your project, this is the best time to say it, and maybe a professor on the panel will be interested in helping you.

Question 19: What source of data was employed for the study?

When asked this question, you state clearly whether you used primary sources (interviews, eye-witness accounts), secondary sources (books, journals, newspaper), or you employed both for your research work. It is advisable to be honest because those who asked you the question are experts in this field. To ace this question, you should be able to summarise your literature review.

Question 20: What theories or theoretical framework is your study based on?

Before going for your defence, ensure you understand at least two theoretical frameworks that can be used to back up your research. As straightforward as this question appears to be, it has proven to be one of students’ biggest undoing’s during project defence. Hence, prior to the defence, you can ask your supervisor for help.

Question 21: How would you relate your findings to existing theories on the study?

The best way to anticipate this question is by reading wide. By so doing, you will get to know the existing theories in that particular field of research. The capacity to draw a nexus between your work and previous works, whether they agree to it or not, serves as a form of validation for your project, thesis or dissertation.

Question 22: What recommendations do you have for future research?

At this point, your problem skill is being examined with this question. Before the defence, you should have identified areas in your project that need more attention.

Question 23: What is the scope of the study?

When asked this question, know you have been provided an opportunity to delimit your project, thesis or dissertation. This is inarguably the cheapest question during project defence.

Question 24: What question(s) do you have for the committee?

This question may seem unlikely when considering Nigeria’s educational environment; nevertheless, when asked such a question, it is a chance to interact with members of the panel; hence, ask some constructive questions that you might have prepared before the defence or during the defence. Be cautious of the way you ask the question, don’t make jokes during the period; the aim is not to make the panellists look stupid.

Question 25: Do you have any closing comments?

At this point, all you need to do is to appreciate the members of the panel for their time, and questions asked so far. Highlight the lessons you have learned throughout the defence period and how you plan to effect corrections that have been highlighted during your defence. Most times, this attitude goes a great length in reassuring the supervisors and examiners that you understood all that had been discussed.

Defense Preparation Tips

Many times, students tend to fumble and panic when asked a difficult question during project defence. However, the best approach to answer the question is to repeat the question or, better still, rephrase it so that you will understand better. By doing this, you buy yourself some time to think and find the appropriate answer.

Another tip is for you to understand the process that led to your work’s conclusion or how the data used in your work is analysed.

Also, do not risk speaking quickly; the board may not understand some part of the speech or even be confused. Speak slowly, clearly, and in an appropriate tone of voice that does not show nervousness and no need to interrupt to ask you to speak louder. Be firm. Speak with motivation, but don’t make jokes during the presentation.

Finally, keep an eye on the clock to not be late; otherwise, the chance to defend the project, thesis or dissertation is lost.

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Dissertation Defense

• Dissertation Defense: Home
• Preparing for the Defense

Consider These Example Defense Questions

• Student Experience Feedback Buttons
• Attending a Defense
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• Zoom Resources
• Dissertation Publishing in ProQuest
• School of Education Educator Dispositions
• What do you see as the main contributions of your research for your discipline, practitioners, and/or policy makers?
• In what ways, if at all, does your study contribute to the existing literature and/or prior research in the field? In what ways does it extend the literature? Contradict the literature? Fill gaps in the literature? Clarify contradictions in the literature?
• In planning and conducting this study, which major theorists influenced your thinking?
• What are the conflicting issues in your field (every field has conflicts—hence, the research problem), and what contributed most to your understanding of these issues?
• In what ways do you expect that your work will clarify the conflicting issues in your field?
• What motivated you to conduct this study? In other words, what brought you to explore this particular topic?
• What new learning about qualitative research have you come away with as a result of conducting this study?
• What, if any, are the unanticipated outcomes of your study? What surprises have you come away with?
• What new learning about yourself have you come away with having conducted this study? What additional insights has the dissertation experience afforded you?
• What were the high and/or low points for you in the dissertation experience?
• If you were to redo this study, how might you conduct this study differently? How might you change your research methodology? Why?
• How could you build on or extend this research in the future?
• What are the major strengths and/or limitations of your research design/methodology?
• What might further strengthen this study?
• Why did you analyze the data in the way that you did? How might you have analyzed your data differently?
• What suggestions might you offer somebody about to conduct a study of this nature?
• How did you arrive at your conceptual framework?
• What are the theoretical components of your framework?
• What informed your conceptual framework?
• How did you decide upon the components that you include in your conceptual framework?
• How did the components of your conceptual framework assist you in visualizing and explaining what you intended to investigate?
• How did you use your conceptual framework to design your research and analyze your findings?

Bloomberg, L. D and Volpe, M: Completing your qualitative dissertation: A Roadmap from Beginning to End (Sage 2016).

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Common Thesis Defense Questions And Answers

Thesis refers to the written compilation of the person’s research-based knowledge. It can be on any topic as preferred by the writer. A thesis includes the making of a research paper or a collective work on any particular topic. After the completion of the research thesis, the writer of that paper is asked to present it in front of a panel. This presentation of a research thesis in front of a panel is known as a thesis defense. Therefore, in simple terms, a thesis defense refers to an act of manually representing the research paper or the research thesis written by the person. In this round, after the thesis writer has presented his work in front of the panel, he asked some questions related to the topic or thesis, the theory presented by the person, educational qualifications, work experience, motivation behind the thesis, and other personal or professional questions. This round is somewhat similar to a job interview. A thesis defense is also called viva voice. Let’s check common thesis defense questions and answers.

TIPS AND TECHNIQUES TO PREPARE FOR A THESIS DEFENCE

There are many ways to prepare for the thesis defense. It is similar to preparing for any job interview. Moreover, the students or writers presenting the thesis defense in the panel must thoroughly prepare about the topic he has made the research thesis on. Following are some tips to prepare for the thesis defense-

PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL QUESTIONS IN A THESIS DEFENSE

The interviewers or the panel can also ask some questions related to the personal or professional lives of the person appearing for the thesis defense. Apart from the question asked in a thesis defense related to the research theory, many general questions are asked by the interviewers. The answers to these questions are perspective-based. It can also defer from one person to another. The examples of the common questions asked in the thesis defense interview are as follows-

It is one of the most asked questions in a job interview or thesis defense. The required educational qualification to appear in a thesis defense is the completion of a high school diploma with seventy and above percentage or marks. After high school, the person must have completed a degree or diploma course in any subject or any subject combination from any certified university. Moreover, the person appearing for a thesis defense must have written a research thesis or theory on any topic. It must be an original document. Therefore, the person must also prepare for this type of general questions related to his professional and educational background.

There can be many alternative answers or solutions to this question. Moreover, creating a research thesis or theory can also have many personal or professional effects on the persona’s life. It helps them in increasing their knowledge of any one or more theory or thesis subject. It can also help other people in enhancing their academic knowledge of any research thesis. Moreover, it can also lead to enhance the person’s presentation skills and help them practice for the interview or one-on-one question-answer sessions.

QUESTION-RELATED TO THE TOPIC OF THE THESIS STATEMENT

It is one of the most important and common questions asked by the panel in a thesis defense. The answer to this question depends on one person to another. It is also a little tricky question and many people find it difficult to answer such type of questions. Moreover, there can be many answers to this question depending on the choices and perspectives of the people. While answering this question, the person should keep in mind that the answer to this question has to be a little convincing to the panel that this topic or theory was worth the time. Also, it can help in understanding various other concepts and theories as well. 

It is also a commonly asked question in a thesis defense. The answer to this question is mostly based on the perspective of the writer and also the subjects he has earlier chosen by them during their master of degree and diploma courses. The person who can answer this question is thesis defense in such a manner that he has a strong grip on the subject chosen by him, or this particular subject holds his keen interest for a long time. Moreover, while choosing the subject for thesis or research theory writing the person must prefer subjects he has a strong grip on, and he has studied that particular subject at various personal and professional levels. Also, he must prepare all the aspects of that topic he has chosen for the thesis defense including the past or historical view of that topic or theory, present status, popular facts, future scope, and many more.

It is asked by the thesis defense interview panel to know the research methods used by the researchers. Therefore, while making a research thesis the writer must also focus on the research method or research methods used by him. Four different methods are used by the person to write a thesis statement and research thesis. Some commonly used methodology in a thesis includes the observational method in which the thesis or theory is based on the observation of the researcher. The experimental research method, includes the data derived from manual or technical, practical experiments. The simulation method is the one that includes real-world problems and immediate solutions to these problems. The derived methodology used in a thesis is based on another person’s earlier done research statements.

A thesis defense is a form interview or questions and answers session. Every person who has made a research thesis or theory has to present his research thesis in front of the panelist. There are many questions asked by the interviewers or the thesis defense including the question based on their personal and professional lives, educational qualifications, and other question related to the research thesis presented by the person. Some commonly asked questions include the motivation for writing a thesis on any topic or theory, the scope and future aspect of the thesis, the methodology used by the person, and many more.

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Hardest Research Proposal Questions and Best Sample Answers

Featured Expert: Dr. Michela Insenga, PhD

Practicing with sample research proposal questions and answers can have great benefits for any major research project such as a dissertation or thesis. This is often the final step before you finally get your doctorate degree. However, before all of that, you must first craft a research proposal. This is a detailed outline that will transform into the thesis that you will eventually have to defend in front of a panel of distinguished academics. It is always important to be aware of what thesis defense questions you will be asked when it is all said and done, but you may have to start justifying your research a little earlier on with the completion of a research proposal.

In this article, we include sample questions and answers you could be faced with when submitting your research proposal, some tips for preparing your responses, as well as the benefits of seeking professional help from a grad school advisor .

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Article Contents 13 min read

What to expect for your research proposal.

Early on in your PhD process, you may have to submit a research proposal that details the scope of your research and what you plan to for an eventual thesis or dissertation project. You have already learned how to find a PhD topic , so now it is time to put your passion for your field into practice and start to manifest the ideas swimming in your head.

This document should include the specific topic you would like to research, what angle you will be taking for your research, as well as your justification for choosing this subject. Regardless of whether or not your goals are the same as when you wrote your research interest statement sample , you must still provide an update about what your project is going to examine.

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The purpose of the research proposal is to convince your supervisor that you are on the right direction. You are essentially providing a roadmap for your supervisor through your motives in undertaking this project and how you plan to complete it. Your supervisor will have to evaluate whether or not your project is relevant to the degree you are completing and manageable within the time constraints or other limitations you have.

As a result, you may have to undergo a research proposal defense or your supervisor will ask guiding questions about the state of your project. While this is still very early in the process, it is a great way for getting to know how to prepare for a thesis defense , as the questions you will be have a similar intent. Receiving guidance on your research before spending a lot of time on it can be more beneficial to you as you complete coursework or any other responsibilities as a graduate student. Questions from your supervisor can make your think critically about the end result of your result, and will hopefully lead to a better result.

Be Very Familiar With Your Proposal

This sounds like an obvious tip, but PhD research proposals can be 1500-2000 words long and can be a lot of information to remember at once. Once it is complete, try and have as great of a grasp of the material as you can. Before going into any meeting where you will discuss your work, make sure to become reacquainted with the information you have found and the goals you are hoping to achieve. Re-read your proposal several times to both proofread it for typos or other errors, but also to become comfortable with its contents. You want to make sure that your answers line up with the document you are officially submitting as your proposal.

Ask for Advice

If you are having trouble creating your proposal, you can always consult thesis writing services to help you plan out and put your thoughts into words. Professionals can also help with your speaking ability when responding and help you strategize so that you deliver efficient responses that sum up your research faithfully. Either together with an advisor or on your own, you can predict the obvious questions that are coming and prepare yourself to answer them. If your supervisor will be overseeing your proposal, try to anticipate what concerns they will have. Come up with a list of questions yourself, so you can workshop how you answer them.

Use Strategies to Answer Questions

Just like preparing for graduate school interview questions , you can develop strategies for how to answer questions about your research proposal. Keep your answers direct. You can also pose questions about areas you are unsure about. Do not be afraid to not have all the answers. At this point of your research, you are not expected to know everything point. The purpose of your proposal is to see where you are at right now and what you need to adjust on to make the best final product possible. Your supervisor or other academics that will pose questions about your proposal are not out to get you. They have years of experiences with similar projects, and are likely are qualified to give helpful feedback on your work in progress.

1. What is your research project about?

This answer should be a short summary about your research project. This question may seem like this simplest of them all, but you need to have a solid direction on where you want your thesis to go in order for it be effective. It does not need to be as complete as if you were to be summarizing your final product, since your project is still in its development stages. For instance, a sociological study regarding gendered tendencies towards deviant behaviors on the internet might be formatted in this manner:

For this research project, I plan to examine the rise of online deviant sociological behaviour on social media platforms during recent global shutdowns such as the COVID-19 pandemic and how gender identity and sexual orientation amplify these concerns. These acts of deviance can include instances of catfishing, deception, pornography, obscenity, cyber bullying, flaming, among others. I will also relate these findings to psychological impacts of both the perpetrators and victims or other relevant criminal behaviors that do not take place online, pointing out the differences between common trends for men vs. women in these altercations.

2. Why did you select this particular topic?

This question is meant to assess your motivation for choosing the subject of your research proposal. It is possible that you have previously touched on this kind of question during your graduate school interview when answering “Why do you want to do a PhD?” . This answer is one that could get a little more into your personal inclination towards the research you pursue. Focus on your particular interests and shape it to the goals of the project. For example, if you conducted a study called, “Forgotten Minds: Book History and Women’s Lost Contributions in 18th and 19th-century England” then you can frame your answer in this way:

As a scholar of the marriage industrial complex that permeated British society in past centuries, I am interested in the ways that a patriarchal structure can silence the marginalized voices of others, as matrimony often did for women. This is all the more evident in the interdisciplinary field of book history, where women’s contributions to the publishing were often ignored, erased, or overshadowed by their husbands. I wanted to indicate any trends that can be discovered by examining the roles of women in 18th and 19th-century printing houses and potentially unearth the forgotten stories of women who worked in these instances.

3. Does your project have a working title?

Titles are very important for academic articles or formal dissertation projects. If you have already learned how to publish as a graduate student , you will know that the title is how other academics or students will find your work when searching through journals and databases. You need to make sure your title is accurate to the research provided. At this point, your title will likely not be final, but it always important to be thinking about.

Sample Answer: My tentative title is “Take a Chill Pill: Natural and Traditional Methods for College Student Anxiety Levels”. I chose this title because it represents both the holistic self-care methods such as meditation and exercise as well as prescription medication. It also points out the focus group immediately, since the study will examine current college students between the ages of 18-24 and indicate any patterns for how they manage stress among unprecedented times.

4. What scope do you think your project will have?

Your proposal will likely touch on several points related to your topic, but it is not really plausible to have a project that considers every single aspect imaginable. You may need to narrow this down as you further develop your research. Start thinking of the boundaries you may have to set as you progress through your work.

Sample Answer: This study will examine consumption trends related to the snack food industry. To start with, I have chosen over 25 products from different companies will be able to be listed and reviewed in the final thesis submission.

5. What makes your project original?

Being a publishing academic is all about filling the gaps in scholarship. Make sure to point out what makes your project stand out from others in the field.

Sample Answer: The project focuses on how remote working and telemedicine shifts the delivery of family medicine procedures in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. It does engage with similar studies on the topic of telemedicine, but will add a new perspective by discussing family doctors practicing in the greater Montreal area, specifically, which is a subset I have not yet found within existing scholarship.

6. How is your research in conversation with existing scholarship?

While your research must add something to the field, it also should be in a dialogue with other published works. Explain your process surrounding the other studies you have used to guide your own thesis.

Sample Answer: As my project is related to how autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis present themselves in young adults, I have included fundamental studies on the topic from Dr. Arthur Golden and Dr. Melina Rizzo, as well as other more current examples of scholarship. My study will utilize their concepts in relation to a focus group that is below the age of 30.

7. What kind of research methodology will you be using?

How you will be accessing this research is just as important as the research itself. Try to have a clear path about the measures you will take to complete your study.

Sample Answer: I aim to use detailed and meticulously written surveys about women’s birth experiences at hospitals or affiliated birthing centers. These results will act as the main foundation for my study on maternity health care and treatment.

8. Have you found there to be any interesting developments so far?

Was there any part of the part of the process that you did not expect? For this response, detail any new directions your research has taken as of writing your proposal.

Sample Answer: While looking for evidence that suggests that gender socialization of children affects their behaviour, I was surprised to find out that there is a discrepancy between the emotional responses in animated characters based on gender. Female or feminine-presenting characters are shown smiling on screen much more than their male counterparts, and the masculine-presenting characters were generally more likely to be shown as upset or even violent. That is a development in my research that I did not initially think of or foresee.

9. What do you think your biggest limitations for this research will be?

Look into the work you will have to do for your eventual full-length research project. What do you see being the most difficult part?

Sample Answer: I am looking into the nutritional benefits of drug store chewable gummy multivitamins. However, based on an individual’s prior health conditions or genetic makeup, the results may vary or be distorted. I am presuming that this will be a major limitation as I write my thesis.

10. What will be the dependent and independent variables of this project?

When researching, there are different variables that can potentially affect your results. An independent variable is not affected by other variables in your study, while dependent variables also change if other variables do.

Sample Answer: My study will investigate the impact of guidance counselling for junior and senior high school students. The independent variable is the type of help they require, such as college applications, social development skills, or academic performance. The dependent variable would be the actual outcomes of said counselling.

11. What is your provisional research timeline?

Even if it is not 100% stuck to, try to have a detailed timeline in mind about when research will be completed and how you will fulfill all of your obligations prior to the respective deadlines.

Sample Answer: The provisional research timeline for my proposal is designed to ensure systematic progress and timely completion of all research objectives. My timeline is divided into five phases:

Preparation Phase (4 weeks): In this initial stage, I will conduct a thorough literature review to familiarize myself with existing research and identify potential gaps. Simultaneously, I will finalize the research questions and establish the overall framework for my study.

Data Collection and Analysis (8 weeks): During this phase, I will gather primary data through surveys and interviews, ensuring data collection aligns with ethical guidelines. Once collected, I will proceed with data analysis, utilizing appropriate statistical methods to extract meaningful insights.

Literature Integration (4 weeks): Building upon the analyzed data, I will integrate my findings with existing literature to provide a comprehensive context for my research.

Drafting and Revision (6 weeks): I will dedicate this phase to writing the research proposal. The initial draft will be critically reviewed and refined through multiple iterations to enhance clarity and coherence.

Finalization and Submission (1 week): In the final phase, I will incorporate feedback from peers and advisors and polish the research paper to its final form. The completed research paper will be submitted by the designated deadline.

This provisional timeline, spanning 23 weeks, allows for flexibility and contingency plans to accommodate unforeseen challenges. Regular progress assessments and adjustments will be made to ensure timely completion and adherence to all obligations.

12. Who are the demographics who will be most interested in your research?

An important aspect of your research to think about will be who will be the most interested in reading it, as well as who it impacts the most.

Sample Answer: The demographics most interested in my research are likely to be professionals and policymakers within the healthcare industry. Given the focus of my research on implementing technology-driven solutions to enhance patient care and improve healthcare outcomes, healthcare practitioners, administrators, and researchers would find the findings particularly relevant.

Additionally, technology enthusiasts, innovators, and entrepreneurs interested in the intersection of healthcare and technology are also expected to show interest in the research. This group may be keen to explore potential commercial applications of the proposed solutions or seek opportunities for collaboration.

Moreover, the research would significantly impact patients and healthcare consumers. As technology increasingly plays a vital role in healthcare delivery, patients would be interested in understanding how these advancements can positively influence their healthcare experiences and overall well-being.

To ensure the research's reach and impact, I will disseminate the findings through academic publications, conferences, and workshops. Additionally, I will aim to engage with relevant professional organizations, healthcare institutions, and technology forums to stimulate interest and foster practical applications of the research outcomes.

By targeting these demographics, the research can make a meaningful contribution to the field of healthcare technology and help drive advancements that benefit both healthcare providers and patients alike.

13. What do you hope to be the significance of your research?

This is the “So what?” of your research. Will your research have lasting impacts? Evaluate which current issues your research could resolve.

Sample Answer:

The significance of my research lies in its potential to revolutionize healthcare delivery through technology-driven solutions. By addressing current issues such as inefficiencies in healthcare systems, lack of patient engagement, and suboptimal outcomes, my research aims to foster lasting impacts. Implementing technology to improve patient care, streamline processes, and enhance healthcare accessibility could lead to better health outcomes, reduced costs, and an overall improvement in the quality of healthcare services.

14. Are there any ethical issues or debates surrounding your research project?

Some projects are directly tied to ethics and moral issues that are currently being debated. It would be important to mention any ties to these issues and how your research is part of a larger conversation.

Sample Answer: While my research primarily focuses on technology-driven solutions to enhance healthcare, there are potential ethical considerations surrounding data privacy and security. As the research involves collecting and analyzing patient data, ensuring the confidentiality and informed consent of participants is paramount. Additionally, discussions about the responsible use of artificial intelligence in healthcare and potential biases in algorithms are relevant to the larger conversation on the ethical implications of technology in healthcare. Addressing these issues will be crucial to maintaining the integrity and societal benefit of the research.

15. Do you have any personal predictions for the outcome of your research?

If you haven’t yet conducted surveys or a thorough literature review, relay what you think will happen and any other concerns to your supervisor.

Sample Answer: As of now, without conducting surveys or an extensive literature review, I anticipate that the research will demonstrate the potential of technology in positively impacting healthcare outcomes and patient experiences. However, I am also aware that challenges related to data security, technology adoption, and ethical considerations may arise during the research. I will keep my supervisor informed about any unexpected findings and concerns throughout the study to ensure a comprehensive evaluation of the research outcomes.

Now that you have seen some sample answers, here are some additional questions you can take on:

• What sample groups are you using and why?
• What secondary sources do you plan to use?
• What do you believe is the strongest point in your research?
• Are there any biases that could exist in your research or your secondary sources?
• What are some ways your findings will be put into practice?
• What was the approach you took when starting your project?
• What phenomenon are you trying to understand with this research?
• How has your research project changed from when you started this degree?
• Do you see any foreseeable weaknesses or blind spots in your study?
• What measurement instrument did you use for this research?
• What theoretical framework is your research based on?
• Is the literature you chose up to date?
• What pertinent information have you found so far?
• Does your research have any use for policy makers?
• What do you plan to do with this research project once you have graduated?

When you are wondering, “should you pursue a master’s or a PhD?” , you truly need to consider the importance of research within the discipline you choose. Part of being an academic is the ability to contribute to the field and, by extension, society as a whole. The research proposal and the subsequent dissertation may be the last step to complete your degree, but it is also can be the first real step of your professional career.

Any meeting with your supervisor or instant where you have to defend your work is simply part of the process of being a working academic. This can have lasting implications for the future of your career, as knowing how to conduct and present research effectively is key to learning how to find a job in academia . That being said, the first step is putting yourself in the best position to succeed. Using PhD consultants can make all the difference for your project. If you are currently applying to graduate school, these trained experts can help you get into the school of your dreams or assist with finding programs that suit your skillset. They can also provide pointers on your research, as many of them have been in your shoes before.

A research proposal is a concise and structured document that outlines the key objectives, methodology, and significance of a proposed research project, aiming to convince others about the value and feasibility of the study.

A typical research proposal for a doctoral thesis is usually between 10 to 20 pages, depending on the specific requirements of the academic institution and the complexity of the research project.

To find the right research topic for a doctoral thesis, consider your interests, expertise, and the significance of the topic in your field. Engage with relevant literature, consult with advisors and experts, and identify gaps or unresolved issues to narrow down your focus.

Yes, you can and you should include your research on your grad school CV . 

Most graduate programs will ask you to defend your research proposal. However, if it’s a smaller project, a review of the proposal may be sufficient. 

To prepare for a research proposal or thesis defense, thoroughly review your research work, anticipate potential questions, and practice presenting your findings in a clear and concise manner to effectively communicate your research objectives, methodology, and results.

Some mistakes to avoid when writing a research proposal include: lack of clarity in research objectives, insufficient literature review, neglecting to address potential limitations, and failing to align the proposal with the funding agency's guidelines or the university's requirements.

Yes, you can always reach out to thesis writing services for some guidance. 

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List of 20 common thesis defense questions you should be prepared for.

You may be wondering what a thesis defense is as you have only heard and known about the thesis. When you put forward a proposition or a hypothetical question and support it with arguments, you can call it a dissertation. A defense on the other hand generally means the evidence that act as a support for the work. The evidence you will be selecting for your work is defended by the dimension of the work you have undertaken.

In the viva voce hall, most of the questions that the internal or the external asks center on these defense questions. Since you are not aware of the existence of something like this, you feel tensed or worried and can’t give out expected and justified answers. There are some common defense questions asked by the examiners irrespective of the subject. You can try out this cheap dissertation writing service for knowing what kind of questions you are generally asked. In this article, we will discuss 20 such common defense questions you need to prepare for.

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20 defense questions

• The most common question you may be asked is what you learned from the study you have done. You have to sum up your entire study in a few sentences and remember the technical terms you have mentioned n your research because that is what your examiner wants to hear from you.
• The next question to follow by default is why you chose this particular topic or what your inspiration behind this study was. This is one of the trickiest questions as you have to prove your convincing power to the panel of the teachers that what you did is valuable for the society and was worth their time. Tell about how zealous you were about this particular problem.
• What is the importance of your study or how will it contribute or add up to the existing body of knowledge?
• You may be asked to summarize your key findings of the research.
• What type of background research have you done for the study?
• What are the limitations you have faced while writing?
• Why did you choose this particular method or sample for the study?
• What will you include if you are told to add something extra to the study?
• What are the recommendations of your study?
• Who formed your sample and why you selected this particular age group?
• What was your hypothesis and how you framed it?
• If given a chance, would like to do something different with your work?
• What are the limitations you faced while dealing with your samples?
• How did you relate your study to the existing theories?
• What is the future scope of this study?
• What do you plan to do with your work after you have completed your degree?
• What are the research variables you used?
• Do you have any questions to be asked?
• Did you evaluate your work?
• How would you improve your work?

These are some of the very general but a bit complicated questions you may be asked during your interview.

Tips For Writing

Writing the methodology, organizing the main chapters, citation formatting rules.

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When it comes to successfully completing your doctoral studies and presenting your master thesis defense in front of a panel of experts, you’re probably nervous beyond belief. This makes perfect sense, but there’s no need to worry for another second. We work alongside a select team of postdoctoral researchers who have a special interest in education to provide you with advice and support with this great undertaking.

Worry Before Defending a Dissertation?Here a few Oral Defense Questions

Writing your thesis or dissertation and handing it in is not going to be the end of your work. You still have to get through the dreaded oral defense questions. During your defense you will have to persuade your audience that your research paper has been done well and that your findings are both valid and important to your field. If you fail in this your paper may be rejected or you may be tasked with making additional research or changes to your paper. Knowing  dissertation defense questions and answers is vital to passing your defense as you will be expected to do far more than just give a brief presentation. Your audience will grill you about your research proposal defense questions and writing to try to find out if you have truly mastered your area. Not being able to answer these questions or answering them poorly is not going to help you pass.

Our specialized thesis defense services will be able to help you to identify the most common thesis defense questions that you might be asked about your research so that you can come up with some credible answers. By being prepared you can ensure that you don’t just stand there in silence scratching your head.

What Are the Common Thesis Defense Questions?

The problem with any list that you will find online is that it is never going to be complete. All audiences are different as is your research. Not every member of the panel is likely to have read your paper even if they were meant to; while others may have scanned it with a magnifying glass looking for issues to raise. So the range of questions that you will be asked can vary enormously as can the success criteria for answering a question well.

It is always best to try to attend a public thesis defense presentation at your institution to see exactly what happens and how those defending handle the dissertation defense questions that they are asked. If possible attend those in your field so that you get a feel for what those people that will be listening to you speak on the day of your defense will react.

The following are some of the most dissertation defense questions that you may be asked; the answers, of course, are personal to you and your research:

• Can you summarize your thesis in just a few sentences? (or even in a single sentence)
• What motivated you to undertake this research?
• Who are the main researchers in this area?
• What are the main ongoing debates or issues?
• Why is your research in this area important?
• Who will be interested in your research?
• What do you recommend based on your findings?
• What are the implications of what you have found to society in general?
• What are the most important papers related to your own research and how is yours different?
• What other developments have been made in your field recently?
• Why did you select the research methodology that you used?
• In hindsight should you have used a different methodology? (Beware they may be looking for you to dig a hole for yourself to invalidate your conclusions and analysis.)
• Would you have discovered anything else if you had used a different approach?
• What are the ethical implications of your work and how should they be dealt with?
• How do you know that what you have found is right?
• What is the weakest part of your work?
• What would you suggest as future research and why?
• If you could start over what would you have done differently? (Again don’t dig a hole to fall into.)
• What advice would you give to yourself if you could go back to the start of your research?
• Do you intend to publish any of your research? If so, where?

You must always fully understand your personal research and must know the paper that you have written inside out. Failing to answer dissertation defense questions on your rationale and hypothesis straight from your paper is not going to help you through the defense. Always take great care when answering questions so as not to invalidate anything from within your research. You do not want the audience to doubt the validity of your conclusions or to believe that your data is any way flawed. If you are going to give many presentations it is always useful to ask your audience to complete a presentation feedback form. Your presentation survey dissertation defense questions can be worded to help you better deliver your presentation when it comes time for your actual oral examination.

How Can Our Experts Help with Your Defense Question and Answers?

Our experts are fully qualified to postgraduate degree level in your field of research so they will be able to work with you to identify more specific dissertation defense questions that may be asked regarding your research so that you can prepare meaningful answers. They can also provide you with a full coaching support to practice the many defense questions that you will be able to answer as well as those that you cannot. Our experts can walk you through strategies that you can use to provide a response to those dissertation defense questions that you don’t have an answer for without giving yourself any issues. All of our support is provided with a full satisfaction money-back guarantee as well as always being delivered on time.

If you need help with dissertation defense questions and answers just contact our specialists here today and boost your confidence for your defense Q&A.

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Navigating Your Thesis Defense: Common Thesis Defense Questions and How to Prepare

Also read: thesis defense questions with answers.

Introduction One of the most crucial milestones in a graduate student’s academic journey is the thesis defense.

This process serves as an opportunity for students to showcase their research, knowledge, and ability to think critically. While the defense can be nerve-wracking, thorough preparation can help alleviate anxiety.

In this blog article, we will discuss common questions asked during a thesis defense and provide tips on how to answer them effectively.

Can you summarize your research in a few sentences? This question is commonly asked at the beginning of a thesis defense and aims to assess your ability to concisely present your research. Prepare a brief and clear summary that highlights the problem you addressed, your research objectives, methodology, key findings, and the significance of your work.

What are the main contributions of your research? Here, the examiners want to understand the unique contributions your research has made to the field.

Be prepared to highlight any novel findings, methodologies, or insights that your study has generated. Clearly articulate how your research advances the existing knowledge base and why it is valuable.

How does your research relate to existing literature? This question aims to evaluate your understanding of the relevant literature in your field. Be prepared to discuss how your research aligns with or builds upon existing theories, concepts, or empirical studies.

Demonstrate your ability to critically analyze and situate your work within the broader scholarly conversation.

What are the limitations of your study? Acknowledging the limitations of your research is crucial. Examiners often want to see if you have critically evaluated the strengths and weaknesses of your study. Be honest and transparent about the limitations, but also discuss how these limitations provide opportunities for future research and potential areas of improvement.

How does your work contribute to solving real-world problems? Examiners are interested in understanding the practical implications and impact of your research.

Discuss how your findings can be applied to address real-world challenges or provide valuable insights to industry professionals, policymakers, or other stakeholders.

Clearly articulate the practical significance of your work beyond the academic realm.

Can you explain the methodology you employed and justify your choices? This question evaluates your understanding of research methodologies and your ability to defend your choices. Provide a concise overview of the methods you employed, their appropriateness for your research objectives, and any challenges you encountered. Be prepared to discuss alternative methodologies and why you chose your specific approach.

What are the potential areas for future research? Demonstrate that you have thought about the broader implications of your work by discussing potential avenues for future research. Identify unresolved questions or areas where further investigation is needed.

This showcases your ability to think critically and helps examiners understand the long-term impact of your research.

Conclusion A successful thesis defense requires not only a thorough understanding of your research but also effective communication and critical thinking skills.

By anticipating and preparing for common questions, you can increase your confidence and maximize your chances of a successful defense.

Remember, a thesis defense is not just an evaluation but an opportunity to showcase your expertise and contributions to the field.

Embrace the challenge and use it as a stepping stone towards your future academic and professional endeavors. Good luck!

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'Sense of shock': Democrats melt down over Joe Biden's debate disaster

WASHINGTON − Democrats and other opponents of Donald Trump melted down as President Joe Biden struggled during Thursday' s debate, with some suggesting he should bow out to allow another Democrat to run instead.

Biden's voice was hoarse and raspy from the start. He stumbled over words and had to correct himself with numbers. He was sometimes hard to follow. On one occasion , the president appeared to lose his train of thought, stopped speaking and concluded − confusingly − with the line, "we finally beat Medicare."

"That's a good man. He loves his country. He's doing the best that he can," said Van Jones, a Democratic political analyst for CNN. "But he had a test to meet tonight to restore confidence in the country and of the base, and he failed to do that."

Jones added: "We're still far from our convention. And there is time for this party to figure out a different way forward if he will allow us to do that."

Biden, 81, entered the debate badly needing to energize his campaign, unite his party and answer skepticism about his age and ability to serve another term. Although he improved during the debate after an especially rocky start, Biden did not silence the concerns.

One House Democrat, who spoke to USA TODAY on the condition of anonymity to speak candidly, described the debate as a "disaster." 

"Trump lied and Biden played all defense," the Democrat said.

Another former Democratic member of Congress, who also spoke on the condition of anonymity, said a conversation needs to happen privately with Biden about allowing someone else to run as the Democratic nominee. The lawmaker said he turned off the debate after the first hour because he couldn't stand watching Biden not stand up to Trump.

“It's not enough to be decent and honest and right on the issues," the Democrat said. "You have to be able to persuade, to defend your values forcefully and clearly, to command respect and to be able to take on liars and bullies like Trump to be the leader of this country."

Biden's struggles made him lack forceful responses to Trump's repeated attacks and his downplaying of his role surrounding the attack on the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. While Trump talked, Biden often looked his way with a blank stare and his mouth open.

David Axelrod, a former adviser to President Barack Obama , said there was a "sense of shock" with how poorly Biden started the debate.

"He seemed a little disoriented. He did get stronger as the debate went on," Axelrod said on CNN. "But by that time, I think the panic had set in. And I think you're going to hear discussions that − I don't know will lead to anything − but there is going to be discussions about whether he should continue."

Maria Shriver, former first lady of California, a Biden supporter and member of the famed Democratic Kennedy family, shard her concerns in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

"I love Joe Biden. I know he’s a good man. I know his heart is good. I know he’s dedicated to our country and is surrounded by good people. Tonight was heartbreaking in many ways," Shriver wrote. "This is a big political moment. There’s panic in the Democratic party. It’s going to be a long night."

Addressing Democratic concerns, a Biden campaign adviser told USA TODAY: "President Biden is the only person who has ever beaten Donald Trump. He will do it again. Donald Trump did not give voters any reason to vote for him tonight. On the issues, the American people are with Joe Biden."

Vice President Kamala Harris also defended Biden's performance.

"What we saw tonight is the president making a very clear contrast with Donald Trump on all of the issues that matter to the American people," Harris said. "Yes, there was a slow start but it was a strong finish.

"Listen, people can debate on style points, but ultimately this election and who is the president of the United States has to be about substance − and the contrast is clear," Harris said.

Sen. Rafael Warnock, D-Ga., when asked whether he was concerned about Biden's chances in November, responded: “I would be concerned if the president didn’t have a record to run on."

California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom, in an interview on MSNBC, called the Democratic criticism of Biden's performance "unhelpful" and "unnecessary."

"We've got to go in and got to keep our head high, and we've got to have the back of this president. You don't turn your back because of one performance. What kind of party does that? He's been a master class."

Others disagreed.

"Guys, the Dems should nominate someone else - before it’s too late," businessman Andrew Yang, who unsuccessfully ran for the Democratic nomination in 2020 and backed Rep. Dean Phillips, D-Minn., in the Democratic primary this year. He added the hashtag "#swapJoeout."

Trump seemed to sense Biden's difficulties. "I really don't know what he said at the end of that sentence," Trump said during one exchange on immigration during the debate. "And I don't think he knows what he said either."

"Sorry, I’m voting for President Biden but a disaster so far," Republican strategist Mike Murphy, a Trump critic, wrote on X, formerly Twitter, shortly into the debate. "On a 1 to 10 point scale − if this continues − the panic explosion inside the Democratic Party will hit 28 tomorrow."

Elise Jordan, an MSNBC contributor and an aide in President George W. Bush's administration, said on X, "If President Biden cares about preserving American democracy, he should drop out of the election."

Geoff Garin, a Biden pollster, downplayed the Democratic unrest , however. "The freak out over the debate is way overwrought," he said in a post on X. "Biden got off to a slow start but he had a strong finish. Trump was increasing incoherent and deranged as the debate went on, and Trump's extremism was on full display."

Garin added: "At the end of the day Joe Biden will win because he builds America up while Donald Trump consistently tears it down."

Contributing: Ken Tran. Reach Joey Garrison on X @joeygarrison.