What We Seek during a Dissertation Critique

A dissertation critique is an examination of the overall quality of a dissertation by evaluation of key considerations. The reason a student might have us perform a dissertation critique is to refine his or her dissertation in these key areas. These considerations fall within three basic categories:

• Purpose of the dissertation
• Quality of the literature review
• Design of the research procedures

Purpose of the Dissertation

The first thing we examine is the purpose of the dissertation. Within this portion of the examination the clarity of the dissertation, how it is derived and the potential impact are checked. The clarity is established with one simple question: Is the topic of the dissertation and its position clearly identifiable? Derivation is a little more complicated to establish. The student’s presentation of prior research and his or her theory must be carefully evaluated. Finally, the anticipated impact of the study is examined for realistic potential.

Literature Review

Examining the literature review, we consider whether the topic has been comprehensively examined. In this examination we question how the research materials were selected and if the student may have overlooked or ignored contradictory evidence. If contradictory evidence has been included, we look to see how the student has refuted or explained the presence of the contradictory evidence. The quality of the sources and the manner in which the student has summarize and analyzed the contents is also considered. This is one of the critical areas that must be examined and is perform as meticulously as possible.

Research and Analysis Design

In evaluating the design of the student’s research and analysis, several key issues are considered in judging the adequacy and reliability of the research and analysis performed. Evaluating the design of research requires us to consider if the student has used qualitative or quantitative methods, the instrument or method employed to obtain the subject sampling and the student’s ability to objectively generalize the results of the research.

Qualitative Methods

In using qualitative methods, the student will have used a small, but focused quantity of subjects. The sample is evaluated to establish a theoretically complete, detailed description of the larger population. In qualitative research, the researcher may or may not have an idea of what results will actually be found. The researcher directly collects the results in qualitative research, gradually developing the design of the research by changing the parameters as the study unfolds. The evidence gathered through the research is based on observation and interviews.

Quantitative methods

Under quantitative methods, the research is based on measurements and analysis of target concepts. Evidence is gathered using surveys, questionnaires and other methods that generate and collect numerical data. Under quantitative methods, the researcher is able to stay objective, separated from the subject, and generally knows what he or she is looking for.

Qualitative Vs Quantitative

The usefulness of qualitative and quantitative research has been a subject of perpetual debate with some researchers favoring one and others favoring the other. In truth, each method has its values and flaws. Qualitative research is most valuable early during the research process. Qualitative, by its nature, is more useful in the later stages for establishing empirical evidence.

Quality Assessment

Once each of these areas has been evaluated, one last overview is performed, taking each of these areas into account to form an overall quality assessment. The student is issued a detailed analysis report disclosing any potential weaknesses or flaws for the student to work on. Understand, during a dissertation critique, we do not perform any editing. Only the intrinsic quality of the dissertation is evaluated and reported on.

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