Preparing for thePH.D. Viva An Oral ExaminationDr. Tamara OConnorStudent Learning DevelopmentStudent Counselling Service

ObjectivesTo view viva as a performance event an oral examinationTo understand the principles of vivaTo explore ways to prepare for this type of examTo practise writing and answering questions

IntroductionsPlease turn to the person next to you

Introduce yourself name, discipline, what you are studying and one other fact about yourself

Introduce your partner to the group

Performance EventPhD is an examination a performance event

How do you prepare for any performance?Preparation and PracticeSkills development and performance rehearsal

Understand the principlesA PhD is about.Knowing your field thoroughlyEvaluating your subjectMaking a useful contributionMastering appropriate techniques & knowing their limitationCommunicating in a professional way

Purpose of vivaAscertain it is your own workMake sure you understand what you didContribution to knowledge worthy of PhD

Reframe EventThe Viva . . . An OpportunityTo discuss your work with expertsTo improve your arguments and thesisTo consider where to publish get free consultancy!

The Viva ... the ExaminersAdversarialSome examiners will challenge your views, in order to hear your argument.DetailedSome examiners inspect every word and phrase.On page 32, you say ... please explain.Friendly & InterestedExaminers will make you feel at ease. They will want you to explain your research.Twigg (1997)

The Viva ... Stay Calm & ConfidentYou are most probably now the worlds expert on your thesis topic.Argue each point with confidence.Demonstrate your depth/breadth of knowledge.

PreparationRevision and SummariesRe-read criticallyReview each chapter and summarise in pointsDefence of researchKnow limitationsEmotional preparation

PreparationQuestionsAnticipate questions and prepare sample answersEasy and hard questionsOpen, closed, probing, applied, general, specific questionsDevelop skills andtechniques

Viva strategies & skillsDefiningDefine & illustrateDefine & defendBeing specificBeing explicitElaboratingHighlightsDeflecting criticismMurray (2003) pp.90-97

PracticeAnswering questionsWith different people: students, staff, friendsUsing viva strategies and defence languageMental practice Discuss research with peers

Key questionsWhy did you choose this topic?

Spend 1 minute writing why you chose this topic

Key questionsCan you describe the different steps involved in your research?

Spend 1 minute writing out a response to this question

Key questionsWhat is your USP? What is new and different about your topic?

You must narrow this down to one or two ideas/comments. Discuss with your partner and report back to group (5 minutes)

Practice - RehearsalMock viva rehearsal with peer or fellow studentMock viva rehearsal with supervisorVisualise viva

Dealing with nerves!

Pair workPick a possible viva question or create a possible questionExchange it with your partnerTake turns to practise your answer keeping in mind what has been covered with regard to effective presentations and tips for surviving your viva

On the dayBe earlyBe careful what you wearBring a drinkBring a pad and pen (although dont expect to take many notes)Expect to be nervous but try to deal with it positively/constructively

On the dayCheck list: List of correctionsPen and paperTissuesDrinkCopy of your thesis, especially your summary and abstract

How long does it last?

Length of vivaNatural and applied sciences (%)Arts, humanities and social sciences (%)Up to 1 hour3%27%1-2 hours40%56%2-3 hours43%15%3+ hours15%2%Source: Tinkler and Jackson, The Doctoral Examination Process, SPHE & Open University Press, Maidenhead: 2004, page 173

Final AdviceExpect to be nervousPractice your answers beforehandDont agree with everything they say but dont be arrogantExpect some correctionsMake sure you are clear about important datesGood luck!

PlanningTake one minute to make a list of the things you need to do to prepare for your viva as a result of attending this workshop

*******Remember, you want to do justice to your writing in the oral format so practice is essential*