Mock Viva Voce (now complete)
With mock viva yesterday (23rd October) now passed without incident I am mostly prepared.
The debrief post the mock was as positive as it was brief. I answered with clarity and brevity. The mock-examiner was taken with my earned self-confidence and enthusiasm for the subject-matter. The thesis was viewed as well structured and the contributions clear. The examiner then left my supervisors and I to the more detailed debrief. That too was positively succinct.
The key feedback of the mock viva reaffirms the point of ownership by the researcher. Both the mock examiner and supervisors restated that this knowing why what was done is justified and by this clarity decisions being owned by the researcher is to the core of what the viva defends. I was in full ownership (of research approach, the results, and in my argued positioning of my contribution to knowledge). I knew the limitations behind what could be claimed. I own what I defended.
I now take a break before regrouping my thoughts before 17th November. The mock has fulfilled its two intended purposes. I now have the glimpse into what awaits and a clarity on how to go about my defence. This blog series has also fulfilled its primary objective*. Not so long to go now.
…to be continued
*[Caveat lector: these are journal entries created in near real time of writing-to-think. Take all care and caution in using anything here for purposes beyond understanding of one person’s preparations for viva examination]