About the research
Did the student demonstrate their ability to:
- define (a) significant research question(s)
- situate the research question(s) in relevant literature
- identify one or more methods appropriate for pursuing the question
- implement the method with appropriate rigor for a second-year doctoral student
- develop appropriate results or insights (or, if the work is progress, potential results or insights)
- identify appropriate conclusions (or, if the work is progress, potential conclusions and implications)
About the paper
Did the student demonstrate their ability to:
- document the research activity and its significance in sufficient detail
- present the results to an academic audience
- communicate ideas clearly
About the presentation
Did the student demonstrate their ability to:
- Prepare a presentation appropriate for an academic audience, communicating the research activity and its significance
- Give the presentation in a manner appropriate for academia
- Respond to questions professionally (confidently, accurately)
Possible outcomes
Possible outcomes for the exam are: pass, a master’s pass (which is satisfactory for awarding a master’s degree but not to continue in doctoral studies) with the option for re-exam, or fail.
- Pass: the paper, presentation, and underlying work demonstrate all criteria at a level that indicates readiness to proceed to the next milestones in the HCDE PhD program.
- Master's pass: the paper, presentation, and underlying work demonstrate all criteria, but at a level that raises concerns with proceeding to the next milestones in the HCDE PhD program. Students may exit with a master’s degree or re-exam to continue in the PhD.
- Fail: the paper, presentation, and/or underlying work do not demonstrate one or more of the criteria for evaluation. Students will not continue in the HCDE doctoral program.
When a student receives an outcome of Master’s pass with the option for re-exam, the Committee feedback to the student may include (a) changes that are required before a passing evaluation is given and/or (b) changes that are suggested to strengthen the work, to better communicate it, or to continue or extend this line of research. In other words, the exam is also a valuable opportunity to provide feedback to students that can help improve their scholarly work. The student should review the committee feedback with their faculty mentor/advisor before scheduling the re-examination.