that's a strange question. i mean, there are a few different approaches to research and one of those is to vary from/disprove existing literature/theories. but that's not what all research does.
i mean, i'm sure there are SOME theories out there that your diss wouldn't agree with, but that's a pretty random/weak question. silly academics.
well, my advisor asked about my personal development/insights as a result of the MA process..that was my last question and it was sort of rehearsed at my mock defense.
i got some questions about method. one of my committee members played devil's advocate a little bit, but she was very honest about that and acknowledged that she just wanted to ask, but didn't actually think there were major issues, so that was actually good.
most of my other questions were about the actual topic. some on breastfeeding, some on bonding (from the external), some about my interview guide and about the unique nature of my sample. i had this vision of my defense being fire and lightning and disappointed/angry faces, but it was more like sunshine and friendly, smiling questions. i felt it was the perfect mix of challenging and friendly. i think all of the questions i got were actually good questions and ones that i enjoyed answering.
and my external said, at the end, that i had 'such grace and poise', so i think maybe she was high. or thinking of someone else :P
3 comments:
that's a strange question. i mean, there are a few different approaches to research and one of those is to vary from/disprove existing literature/theories. but that's not what all research does.
i mean, i'm sure there are SOME theories out there that your diss wouldn't agree with, but that's a pretty random/weak question. silly academics.
I suspect most questions will be pretty random/weak and silly.
Everyone I talked to so far says they were shocked at how simple or non-hard-hitting the questions were.
We always build up in our heads a dragon that is worse than the one we ultimately face. It was the same with the comp exam.
Did you get any interesting general-type questions today you'd like to share?
well, my advisor asked about my personal development/insights as a result of the MA process..that was my last question and it was sort of rehearsed at my mock defense.
i got some questions about method. one of my committee members played devil's advocate a little bit, but she was very honest about that and acknowledged that she just wanted to ask, but didn't actually think there were major issues, so that was actually good.
most of my other questions were about the actual topic. some on breastfeeding, some on bonding (from the external), some about my interview guide and about the unique nature of my sample. i had this vision of my defense being fire and lightning and disappointed/angry faces, but it was more like sunshine and friendly, smiling questions. i felt it was the perfect mix of challenging and friendly. i think all of the questions i got were actually good questions and ones that i enjoyed answering.
and my external said, at the end, that i had 'such grace and poise', so i think maybe she was high. or thinking of someone else :P
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