06/07/2025
COMMON THESIS DEFENCE QUESTION
One of the most common questions asked during the viva voce is about the motivation for the study.
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This question allows a student to exhibit their understanding of his or her study.
Without being prescriptive on how to answer this question, a PhD candidate will not go wrong to provide a concise yet comprehensive response that delves into the various stimuli for embarking on this intellectual journey.
Firstly, tell examiners how personal interest serves as the bedrock of motivation for conducting the study. Let them know that by engaging deeply with the area of study fueled your passion and dedication. For instance, if a student has a profound interest in climate change, the desire to explore this field might stem from both a personal concern and an academic curiosity. This intrinsic motivation can lead to a compelling narrative during the viva voce, illustrating how personal experiences or interests have shaped the research problem studied and the methodologies applied.
Secondly, discuss societal relevance of the research topic as another significant motivator. Today, with so many concerns affecting society, tell the panel that you are driven by the need to address a particular pressing issue in your field. For example, if your study investigated the effects of artificial intelligence on employee productivity, highlight to the examiners that your study is motivated by the global shift in technology because of artificial intelligence. By linking your research to a current societal issue, students can demonstrate that their study is not only theoretically relevant but also practically significant.
Furthermore, contributing to the existing body of knowledge provides an additional source of motivation. Act wisely by spotting gaps in the literature or ongoing disputes in your field of study that drove you to explore unexplored territory. For example, if there is insufficient research on the influence of PhD education and training on innovation in Africa, inform the examiners that there was an urgent need to fill this gap. Say confidently that by answering this unanswered question, you will not only improve the frontiers of knowledge in your discipline but also create a foundation for future research.
Regardless of how critical or mean the examiner is, approaching the question about the motivation of the study in this manner allows you to present a well-rounded answer that reflects not only an understanding of the topic but also an appreciation for the broader context of the research undertaken, ultimately reinforcing the significance of your scholarly endeavour.
In conclusion, whatever answer you may present, do not forget to talk about your personal interest, societal relevance, and the potential to contribute to existing knowledge.
