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Very good or exceptional?

Our examiners are asked to comment on the quality of the thesis, and give a rating on a 6-point score ranging from 1 = Exceptional through to 6 = Flawed. A score of 2 is Excellent ("strongly competitive at international levels, with fewer than 20% of candidates in this band") and 3 is Very Good ("An interesting, sound and compelling thesis, with approximately 30% of candidates in this band").

Here's how one examiner justified the given grading:

"To place the thesis in the range of theses I have examined, as requested by the University of WA, I rate it as a very good thesis rather than an exceptional one. The concept is simple and the experimental design, once agreed to, could be carried out by most competent researchers. The work is important for the operational field to which it speaks but the techniques are all standard and are applied in a standard way. The analysis is also competent, providing new information rather than new insights. That said, the sheer amount of work is impressive and its applied value beyond question."

Published Monday, May 14, 2007 9:35 AM by robyn.owens
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# re: Very good or exceptional?

I've always wondered if that scale worked against humanities-based theses.  In maths, many of the sciences, and elsewhere, it is possible to get '100%' on an assignment.  In many of the humanities style subjects, by contrast, a exceptional mark might by 90% or 92%, but by tradition, 100% is never given.  

So, following that marking tradition, I'm curious whether science-based marking using any scale (including the 1-6 for theses) is more likely to result in a '1' for outstanding work, where in Humanities is there more a tendancy to say this is brilliant stuff but stick with a  '2'?

Monday, May 14, 2007 10:21 AM by Tama

# re: Very good or exceptional?

Good question. I think not, but here are some data to back up my claim. In 2006 the distribution of HDR enrolments, and the achievement of classification with Distinction, by Faculty were (roughly) as follows:

ALVA 1.5% enrolments, 0% distinctions

AHSS 15.5% enrolments, 12% distinctions

ECOM 6% enrolments, 6% distinctions

EDU 9% enrolments, 0% distinctions

ENG 13% enrolments, 12% distinctions

LAW 1% enrolments, 0% distinctions

LPS 21% enrolments, 35% distinctions

MED 16% enrolments, 18% distinctions

NAS 15% enrolments, 18% distinctions

The University has, overall, a greater number of HDR students in the science-based faculties so it is not surprising that more distinctions go that way, but I don't believe there is evidence for a bias in that direction.

Here's an example of how an examiner highlights the strength of a humanities-style thesis:

"The particular strength of X's approach lies in two areas, both of which involve the cliche of "thinking outside the box." First, she shows remarkable insight into the reading of the ... literature ... she is able to gauge not only when X seems to be misinterpreting the evidence, but also to pinpoint the unspoken assumptions and anachronistic thinking that lie behind the misinterpretation. Second, she is able not only to break down previous interpretations, but to build up her own more convincing analysis ... using complex and sophisticated models rather than the received discrete categories".

In both examples, I see innovation and creativity, rather than simple pedestrian skillfulness, as the characteristic that distinguishes the outstanding thesis.

Monday, May 14, 2007 12:31 PM by robyn.owens

# re: Very good or exceptional?

Robyn, could I ask a follow-up quesetion, then: does the GRS distribute distinctions purely on the numerical feedback from markers (ie all 1s or mainly 1s and a few 2s) or is that tempered against written comments?

Monday, May 14, 2007 2:01 PM by Tama

# re: Very good or exceptional?

No, distinctions are awarded on the basis of the examiners' comments, coupled with the indication from the marks that it is of very high quality, and any other information available, such as the quality of any publications arising from the thesis. A distinction is a considered award of the Board, and each consideration usually involves significant discussion.

Monday, May 14, 2007 2:05 PM by robyn.owens

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