The Thesis Defense

1
The Thesis Defense

• Strategies for Preparation

2
Focus of Attention

• Introduction
• Methodology
• Major Findings
• Implications

3
Introduction

• Description of Purpose (What)
• Rationale for Study (problem/issue underpinning
  your study)(Why)
• Identification of Major Research Questions

4
Strategies for Introducing Study

• Visually Display Research Questions
• Do not read rather describe central themes
• Connect Study to Previous Research Social Work
  Practice
• Sound Excited!
• Keep Intro to Three Minutes

5
Methodology

• Describe procedures used for gathering data
• Design
• Tools
• Sampling Plan (and sample size)
• How data were analyzed

6
Strategies for Describing Methodology

• Dont get lost in minutia
• Focus on data collection process, tool and sample
• Briefly explain rationale for key decisions
• Visually display key elements of the
  methodological procedures
• Keep discussion to two minutes

7
Major Findings

• Identify the important characteristics of the
  sample
• Describe the results produced from your analysis
  processhighlighting the major findings
• Describe the connection between your findings
  and the current knowledge base

8
Strategies for Describing Major Findings

• Focus attention on research questions
• Do not try to cover all of your analysis process
• Use the data to illustrate your major findings
• Visually display important elements of your
  datatables, figures
• Major findings should be centerpiece of your
  discussion5 minutes

9
Implications

• Describe the implications for practice, policy,
  and/or future research.
• What do your findings mean to
• -Practitioners?
• -Educators?
• -Policy Makers?
• -The Social Work Profession?
• -The Community (participants, clients,
  concerned citizens)

10
Implications Continued

• Describe the limitations for your study and how
  future research might build on your study.
• Describe generally the type of research that is
  needed to continue building the knowledge base in
  this area.

11
Strategies for Presenting Implications

• Do not try to cover everything!
• Be clear and conciseconnect major findings to
  the implications.
• Keep discussion to two minutes.
• Do not get flustered if you do not get to
  everythingdont rush!
• Two Minutes!

12
Question Answer Session

• Make sure you understand the question
• Answer the question directly
• Be concise with your response
• If your study did not address the issue, qualify
  your response
• Do not defer question to your Chair!

13
General Suggestions

• There is no need to tell the audience that you
  are nervouseven if you are!
• Speak clearly and slowly!
• Try to avoid reading
• Be creative
• Put page numbers on your outline and stick to the
  outline
• Practice, Practice, Practice!