Investigating the role of convenors in the PhD viva

Kumar, Vijay; Sanderson, Lara J.; Kaur, Amrita

doi:10.1080/02602938.2020.1841092

Cited by 8 publications

(10 citation statements)

References 21 publications

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“…In summary, from all stakeholders' perspectives, the advantages of the supervisor being present are that the supervisor can provide feedback on the student's performance, take notes on any required amendments or for future publications, and offer moral and psychological support (Tinkler & Jackson, 2000;Wellington, 2021). It is evident in the literature that a viva as an exam not only requires intellectual presence but also a thriving emotional presence as it is a demonstration of behavioural as well as cognitive performance (including reading, listening, and speaking) (Kumar et al, 2021). The role of the supervisor in supporting a student's psychological needs is not limited to doctoral studies and after the viva (Kumar et al, 2022) but also extends to during the viva.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Allowing supervisors to speak only after the presentation and examination are over, for 'closure', would give a much-needed voice to supervisors and at the same not interrupt the examination. An open discussion among examiners, supervisors, and convenors on the research topic after the viva would contribute to the refinement and improvement of a thesis without superseding students' prospects of becoming independent scholars (Kumar et al, 2021).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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‘Smile and Nod’ or More? Reassessing the Role of the Silent Supervisor in the Doctoral Viva

Kumar

Kaur

Sharmini

et al. 2022

IJDS

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Aim/Purpose: The study examines the perspectives of convenors, examiners, supervisors, and candidates to gather their views on the presence of the supervisor in oral examinations (doctoral viva) and to reassess the role of the mainly silent supervisor in the doctoral viva. Background: Supervisors are central to candidates’ doctoral journey, and their roles have been well documented. However, supervisors’ role in the doctoral viva remains elusive, insignificant, and misunderstood. Methodology: The study adopts a qualitative survey method and qualitative interviews to examine the perspectives of 94 participants, including conveners, examiners, supervisors, and candidates. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and an open-ended survey and was later analyzed using a qualitative approach. Contribution: The findings have implications for the doctoral viva and policies that seek to make it a collegial and equitable practice. Findings: The findings offer two main explanations that warrant supervisors’ physical presence in oral examinations: psycho-emotional support and procedural/regulatory purposes. Supervisors’ voices serve psycho-emotional and technical purposes and aid in dialogue and knowledge construction. Recommendations for Practitioners: It is recommended that practitioners need to move on from the customary ‘smile and nod’ role of supervisors to allowing their voices to be heard, perhaps at the end of the viva. This would not only facilitate candidates’ performance by offering affirmation and assurance through psychological and moral support but also provide an opportunity for discussion. Recommendation for Researchers: This study furthers our understanding of the ‘anatomy of a doctoral viva’ and examines a comprehensive picture of the supervisor’s role in a doctoral oral exam from all stakeholders’ perspectives. Impact on Society: The role of supervisors in the doctoral viva, beginning from the medieval period, has consistently evolved. The research provides a fresh outlook on supervision where the supervisor is not only recommended to be present during the viva, but also to play an active role. Future Research: Future research should include diverse cultural, institutional, and disciplinary contexts to advance our understanding of the supervisor’s role during oral exams. Also, whether supervisors should have a more active role independent of what a convenor may desire should be investigated.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

‘Smile and Nod’ or More? Reassessing the Role of the Silent Supervisor in the Doctoral Viva

Kumar

Kaur

Sharmini

et al. 2022

IJDS

Self Cite

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“…The final examination of doctoral degrees is the viva voce, by its very definition, an examination 'by word of mouth'. It follows the completion and assessment of the thesis, and has three main formats: closed door, hybrid, and ritualized examination [36]. It is important to note the relative importance of the viva voce and the thesis in different parts of the world.…”

Section: Final Examination-the Viva Vocementioning

confidence: 99%

Supporting Doctoral Candidates through Completion and Final Examination

Riches-Suman

2024

Encyclopedia

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Completion and final examination comprise the final stages of a doctoral program and represent the culmination of the doctoral candidates’ years of research. In this entry, completion is defined as the writing and submission of a doctoral thesis, and final examination is defined as the viva voce. Over the years, the format and scope of doctoral degrees has expanded and a variety of formats are now offered. In addition to the traditional research-only doctoral degree, professional, practice-based, and new route programs also contain a taught element alongside research. However, the creation of a substantive thesis or practice-based alternative addressing a novel research question is common to all. In contrast, processes and formats of viva voces vary across the globe. These range from private, closed-door defenses to assessed or ritualistic public defense presentations. For both completion and final examination, there are many practical and psychological hurdles that need to be navigated in order for the candidate to attain their doctoral degree. This entry will highlight these aspects as well as provide evidence-based guidance for supervisors in supporting their doctoral candidates through these daunting final stages.

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“…There is a lack of understanding about the expectations of examiners in the viva and the notion of a satisfactory oral performance. Existing studies have mainly reported on the issues of practices and procedures of the viva (Kumar et al, 2020;Lovat et al, 2015;Tinkler and Jackson, 2000;Watts, 2012), Studies that focus on examiners and the PhD viva in progress are limited (Carter, 2008;Trafford and Leshlem, 2002;Wisker et al, 2022). Morley et al (2002) pointed out that the PhD viva "is seldom witnessed/observed by anyone not involved in the examination process, which poses challenges both for monitoring and for researching the assessment process" (pp.…”

Section: Examiner Expectations In the Phd Vivamentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

Speaking the language of defence: narratives of doctoral examiners on the PhD viva

Tan

2022

QRJ

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PurposeThis paper aims to investigate doctoral examiners' narratives on their expectations of the candidate's oral performance in the PhD viva. Both the PhD examiners and handbooks that offer advice on the PhD viva preparation appear to share the same expectation of the candidate's oral performance in the viva. That is, candidates must answer questions to the satisfaction of examiners to warrant a pass in the oral examination. However, what constitutes a satisfactory viva performance – let alone an excellent one – is often undefined.Design/methodology/approachUsing narrative inquiry as the guiding research approach to investigate this issue, 12 experienced doctoral examiners from across the disciplines at a Malaysian research university were interviewed. Their narratives were analysed inductively.FindingsThe findings show that examiners expect candidates to speak the language of defence by manifesting confident, interactional behaviour, providing credible and convincing responses and displaying doctoralness. The aspects of candidate's oral performance undesired by the examiners, as well as the reasons for having such expectations, are also discussed. The paper argues that the expectations of examiners in the PhD viva should be made explicit and communicated to the candidates and examiners to ensure a positive doctoral assessment process and outcome.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the literature on doctoral assessment, particularly on the PhD viva, through the voices of examiners in the Global South. It also offers an examiner expectancy model of the PhD viva.

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Investigating the role of convenors in the PhD viva

Cited by 8 publications

References 21 publications

‘Smile and Nod’ or More? Reassessing the Role of the Silent Supervisor in the Doctoral Viva

‘Smile and Nod’ or More? Reassessing the Role of the Silent Supervisor in the Doctoral Viva

Supporting Doctoral Candidates through Completion and Final Examination

Speaking the language of defence: narratives of doctoral examiners on the PhD viva

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