- From an academic viewpoint has the student undertaken to deal with a difficult or easy assignment? (The question must be evaluated in relation to the number of credits for the Master’s thesis.)
- Has the student demonstrated the ability to delimit the topic to make it manageable within the parameters that apply for the particular assignment, and has a clear and precise research question been formulated?
- Does the student have an overview of previous research in this area, and has she/he demonstrated the ability to root the research question in this? (An increased credit allocation raises the requirement for this.)
- Has the student demonstrated independence (and originality) in her/his choice of research question and/or in performing the analysis? (In essence a greater degree of independence is expected with a higher credit allocation.)
- To what degree has a suitable research design been selected ─ and has it been convincingly justified within the parameters set by the thesis?
- To what degree is/are the methodology/ies selected well-suited ─ and are the methodological choices convincingly justified within the parameters set by the thesis?
- What effort has the student devoted to collection and/or adaptation of the material used in the analysis? (An increased credit total increases the requirements.)
- Has the student demonstrated the ability to design and carry out the analysis clearly, systematically and effectively, using relevant and stringent lines of argument? To what degree has the student ensured the underpinning or attestation of statements put forward?
- To what degree are the results of the analysis viable? Have findings or conclusions been established in which the research community can have confidence? (The question of viability applies irrespective of the total number of credits; however, more will be expected with regard to the results and findings for theses with a high number of credits.)
- Has the student demonstrated the ability to write clearly, answer the research question posed and argue objectively (using an academic style)? (The requirements for clarity of language and the presentation of the material more generally apply to all types of Master’s thesis regardless of credit allocation.)
- To what degree is the use of references with regard to quotes and sources correct, including a complete and properly generated list of references? (This applies to all types of Master’s thesis. Tolerance of sloppiness or minor errors is particularly low when it comes to theses submitted after an extension.)
Checklist of assessment points
It is not possible to draw up a precise and exhaustive list of quality requirements and assessment criteria. What follows is a relatively ample checklist of points and questions that may assist the examination committee in its work in setting grade.
Published Feb. 8, 2017 10:48 AM
- Last modified Feb. 8, 2017 10:48 AM