Guidelines for Examiners of PhD Theses

A candidate for the degree of PhD should demonstrate:

evidence of an original investigation or testing of ideas and a significant original contribution to knowledge;
a high degree of independence of thought and approach;
a thorough understanding of the appropriate techniques in the field;
critical appraisal of published works and experimental results;
appreciation of the relationship of the special theme to the wider field of knowledge;
capacity to present well written work.

PhD Thesis Contents should reflect all of these features. When examining the PhD Thesis the following questions can be asked of each of the sections of the thesis (the Introduction, General Methods, Results Chapters, General Discussion) in an effort to ascertain whether these features have been met.

Introduction

Was the literature relevant to the topic reviewed in a critical manner?
Was previous work presented within an overall conceptual framework and in a systematic way?
Were the hypotheses to be tested and the aims of the research clearly stated?
Are the nature and extent of the putative original contributions clear?

Methods

Were the methodologies employed detailed adequately?
Were the methodologies appropriate and their use justified?
Was the instrumentation used appropriately?
Were quantitative methods adequately validated? (e.g. accuracy, precision, etc.)

Results Chapters

Were results presented in adequate detail?
Were limitations inherent in the studies recognised and stated?
Were variables which might influence the study recognised and either controlled or measured?
Were the conclusions reached justifiable in the light of the data and the way they were analysed?
Was full use of data made?
Where appropriate, was due credit given to previous workers for ideas developed?

General Discussion

What new material was reported?
To what extent would the new material be perceived as a valuable addition to a field of knowledge?
To what extent do the conclusions overturn or challenge previous beliefs?
Were the findings compared to the known literature and placed in context?
To what extent does the work open up new ideas for future research?

Finally the Overall Impressions can be addressed with the following:

Was the work of sufficient quality and quantity for a PhD?
Was there evidence of independence of approach, innovation and scientific "thought"
Was the thesis written in an appropriate "scientific" style?

reasonably concise,
minimal repetition
free of errors (spelling, grammar, omissions)
appropriate use of figures and tables
well presented
read easily

Assessing a thesis should consider both the surface and deep qualities of a thesis.

Surface qualities of a thesis include:

Use of Conventions
Format
Size
Extent of the Literature Review
Readability

Deep qualities of a thesis include:

Construction or reconstruction or research literature
Nature of the question discussion of its significance
Originality
Creative thought
Contribution to knowledge
Capacity to conduct independent research
Suitability for publication
Content is consistent with objectives
Capacity to make commitment to ideas or positions while cognisant of the limitations

Assessing a thesis should move beyond assessing expertise in the content field

Content expertise alone fails to acknowledge:

Human factors that vary interpretations and judgements
The skill required to make complex judgements
The skill required to make complex judgements
The learning component of undertaking research degrees