PhD Dissertation
There are two objectives defined by the Assessment Committee for PhD students
completing their dissertation. Each student who defended their dissertation this
spring must be assessed on each objective. The second and third objectives need to
be graded, based on the dissertation, on the form provided. (Objective 1 is assessed
at the General Exam. Objective 4 is assessed upon graduation.)
The objectives and rubrics are below. The grading sheet is on the last page.
I don’t think there were any students who defended their dissertations during spring,
2010. If I am mistaken, please complete the assessment below.
Objective 2. Students will demonstrate the ability to use tools necessary to do
independent research in the area of concentration. (Dissertation)
research ques ion(s).
research ques ion(s).
Fail
Dissertation research
Pass/Competent
Dissertation research
Pass/Proficient
Dissertation research
Pass/Exemplary
Dissertation research
does not employ
appropriate research
methods.
includes few
Dissertation
references relat
the area of inqu
ed to
i
references are not
ry or
integrated effectively
in exploration of the
research question(s).
employs appropriate
research methods.
Dissertation includes
several references
related to area of
inquiry. Sources are
effectively integrated
into the dissertation
document several
times in exploration of
the research
question(s).
employs appropriate
research methods.
Document includes a
wide variety of print
and electronic
references relat
the area of inqu
ed to
iry.
Sources are effectively
integrated into the
dissertation at many
appropriate points in
exploration of the
t
employs appropriate
research methods.
Document includes an
exhaustive pool of
print and electronic
references relat
the area of inqu
ed to
iry.
Sources are effectively
integrated throughout
the dissertati
document in
on
exploration of the
t
Dissertation d t
ass/Compe
Dissertation d t
ass/Proficient
Dissertation d t
Pass/Exemplar
y
Dissertation d t
ocumen
is poorly written and
edited. Dissertation
represents scholarship
that is fundamentally
flawed.
ocumen
is adequately written
and edited,
approaching the
standards of
publicat
of study. D
ion in the field
issertation
represents scholarship
that is sound, but may
have minor flaws.
ocumen
is well-written and
well-edited,
conforming to the
standards of
publicat
of study. D
ion in the field
issertation
represents scholarship
that is well-designed
and implemented.
ocumen
is well-written and
well-edited,
conforming to the
standards of
publicat
of study. D
ion in the field
issertation
represents scholar
that is well-designed
ship
and implemented,
contributes to the
disciplinary literature,
and is ready for
publication in a
PhD Dissertation
Objective 3. Students will demonstrate the ability to make a unique
contribution in their area of concentration and disseminate the results of
their research through written and oral communication. (Dissertation, two
rubrics)
Dissertation Rubric:
Fail P tent P
professional journal.
Pass/Competent Pass/Proficient
Pass/Exemplar
y
Student is unable to Student is able to Student is able to Student is able to
convey ideas
adequately through an
oral presentati
Presentation
on.
is illogical
or poorly sequenced.
Student is unable to
field questions
appropriately.
convey ideas
adequately through an
oral presentati
Presentation
on.
is logical,
but student may lack
polish or struggle with
the fi
questions.
elding of
convey ideas
effectivel
oral presentat
y through an
i
Presentation
on.
i
well-sequenced, an
s logical,
d
cohesive. Student is
comfortable and well-
spoken for most of the
presentation, fielding
questions adequately.
convey ideas and
eloquently and
articulately th
oral presentat
rough an
i
Presentation
on.
i
well-sequenced, an
s logical,
d
cohesive. Student is
professional and
articulate throughout
the presentation,
fielding questions with
ease and accuracy.
Dissertation Defense Rubric:
Fail
PhD Dissertation
For each student:
• Add student’s name
• Assign grade
Use “F’ for fail
“P/C” for ass/Competent
“P/P” for
P
Pass/Proficient
“P/E” for Pass Exemplary
PhD Dissertation
Student’s Name Research
Tools
Obj. 2
Grade
Dissertation
Obj. 3A
Grade
Defense
Obj. 3B
Faculty Member Assigning Grade __________________________________________________________