Thesis Critique

A thesis critique (1,600 words) giving an analysis and evaluation of an unpublished thesis that utilizes qualitative research methods. For your thesis critique you must use the thesis by Heather Rowley (2014) University of York.

You should apply the following criteria:

Purpose and objectives of the study? Are these clearly identified and discussed?

Theoretical framework? Is there a clear identification and discussion of the theories, models or other conceptual frameworks used in the study, along with identification of the main underlying theorist and/or theoretical discussion in the field promoting or recommending this type of research? Is there a rationale provided?

Situating the study within the research already conducted in the field? What other major studies have been done? Are there no other studies or very few indicating that there is a gap in the field which this study is designed to address? How may this one be different?

Research Approach? Does the thesis give a justification for the type of research study? Qualitative, hermeneutic, phenomenological, interactional, etc.?

Is the methodology clearly and fully reported? This should include a discussion of the site and participant selection, the methods used for data collection or information collection (with a discussion of the design of the instruments and inclusion in the appendices), ethical consideration, limitations, and any other significant conduct issues?

Presentation and analysis of results? Is it clearly connected to the theoretical framework (e.g., if it is a colonization critique from E. Said, does the analysis and discussion of results clearly refer back to the theoretical framework?)? Are the importance of the results discussed in terms of their contribution to the field? Further research?

In summary, key considerations for assessing the thesis critique include:

a. Purpose and objectives of the study?

b. Theoretical framework?

c. Situating the study within the research already conducted in the field? Research Approach?

d. To what extent is the methodology clearly and fully reported?

e. Presentation and analysis of results?

In preparation for writing your thesis critique on Rowley (2014), it is recommended that you first make detailed notes on the following points:

a. Describe in detail the line of argument of the thesis;

b. Describe in detail the methods of data collection;

c. Describe in detail the methods of data analysis;

d. Explain the theoretical debates and schools of thought in the literature reviewed in the thesis;

e. Describe the methods the researcher utilised for researcher reflexivity, validity and reliability.

f. Summarise the philosophical approach adopted in the thesis written by Rowley (2014), for example, epistemology, ontology, axiology, school(s) of thought and common approaches to research.

Sandberg's Approach to Understanding Human Competence at Work by Fuad Al Attar