1. Objective and question setting of the
thesis
- Justifying the thesis topic and its
significance
- Showing insight in the selection
and definition of the topic
- Defining a clear research question and
objective, research problem or theme
- Considering research ethics |
The objective
and the research
setting do not
reach the level of
grade 1. |
The research
problem is not
explained or
motivated
clearly. The goal
or topic area of
the work is not
fully understood
or is not
apparent when
reading the
work. |
There are
problems with
outlining or
delimiting the
research area.
The objectives
are unspecific. |
The topic and
objectives are
well delimited.
The topic is not
very challenging. |
The topic is
challenging and
well outlined
with a focus on
the essential. |
The topic is
related to
current or
potential
research, or the
topic is
particularly
challenging. |
2. Scientific framework of the thesis and
use of sources
- Being familiar with relevant
research and literature
- Defining a research perspective
and concepts relevant to the
problem discussed
- Using a wide range of source
literature
- Using source criticism and
original scientific sources
- Analytically examining perspectives presented in the source literature
and creating syntheses |
The scientific
framework and
use of sources
do not reach the
level of grade 1. |
The work shows
significant
shortcomings in
the knowledge
of the research
area. Few
sources have
been used, or
the sources
referenced are
irrelevant or sub-quality. |
Knowledge of
the topic is
shallow, or the
writer’s own
input is small.
Few sources
have been used,
or the sources
referenced are
irrelevant or sub-quality. |
The work shows
the writer is
familiar with the
research topic
through
background
literature. The
topic is carefully
analysed. |
The writer shows
good command
of the topic, and
uses
comprehensive
source material
of good quality. |
There is
excellent in-depth
command
of the topic area,
based on high-end
scientific
source material.
The discussion
proves excellent
understanding. |
3. Data and research method
- Selecting an appropriate method
to address the research question
- Describing the
method comprehensively (strategy,
information retrieval and analysis)
- Ensuring that the material is
sufficient and applicable for
the research question and analysis
method
- Describing the material
- Using the method critically and in
an evaluative way
- Considering research ethics |
The data and
research
methods do not
reach the level of
grade 1. |
There are
significant
shortcomings in
choice of
methods, data,
and analysis. The
clarity and rigor
of proofs and
arguments are
mostly
acceptable. |
The writer has
mainly used
good research
methods and
data, but the
work contains
some problems
or
inconsistencies
in the choice of
data and
analysis. The
clarity and rigor
of proofs and
arguments are
acceptable. |
The research
methods and
data are suitable
for the problem,
and their choice
is well argued.
The analyses are
mainly justified.
Proofs and
arguments are
rigorous and
mostly well
explained. |
Use of research
methods and
data is good,
well-argued, and
clearly based on
scientific method
literature or
scientific
tradition. Proofs
and arguments
are rigorous,
well explained,
and easy to
follow. |
The work is
excellent when it
comes to
research
methods and
data selection.
The methods
have been
analysed in
depth. Proofs
and arguments
are rigorous,
well explained,
and easy to
follow. The level
of detail is well
adapted to the
topic. |
4. Presentation of the results of the thesis
- Addressing the research question
in the results
- Reporting the results or main findings
clearly and logically
- Illustrating the relationship between
the images, diagrams and tables and
the text
- Utility, usability, and/or applicability of
results
- Depth of theory or reporting of data-based
or calculative results |
The presentation
of the results
does not reach
the level of
grade 1. |
There are
significant
shortcomings in
all areas of
reporting the
results. |
The work shows
that the writer
has some
concept of
reporting
findings, but
there are clear
shortcomings in
communicating
them. The
significance of
the results
remains partially
unclear. |
The findings are
mainly reported
in a clear and
logical way. The
use of pictures,
figures, and
tables is mostly
good. The results
answer the
research
questions and
are feasible. |
The findings are
reported in a
clear and logical
way. The use of
pictures, tables
and drawings
supports
the analysis of
results. The work
ponders how
generalizable the
findings are. |
The reporting of
findings and use
of pictures,
tables and
drawings is well
considered and
apt.
The thesis is a
good source for
future studies or
research. |
5. Reflection and conclusions
- Specifying the relationship between
the research results and previous
research
- Presenting new research problems
- Considering opportunities
for applications
- Assessing the reliability of the thesis
according to the research approach
- Considering issues of research ethics
- Examining the research process and
results critically and thoroughly
- Drawing thorough, reliable
and insightful conclusions
- Basing the conclusions on the results |
The reflection
and conclusions
do not reach the
level of grade 1. |
Conclusions and
discussion are
very brief and
the writer does
not show clear
understanding of
the significance
of the results. |
The work shows
the writer’s own
input. Based on
conclusions and
discussion,
however, the
writer does not
have a clear
concept of the
significance of
the findings. |
The writer’s own
input is evident
in the
conclusions and
discussion of
results. |
The writer
understands the
most important
topics and
results and
includes their
own input. |
The core matter
is deeply
internalized and
conclusions are
clear. The
discussion of
findings may
even show an
aptitude for
independent
research. |
6. Thesis as an academic text
- Using a clear structure appropriate for
the research approach
- Mastering the craft of academic
prose (varies according to the
research approach)
- Distinguishing between the author’s
own interpretations and the
information presented in sources as
well as incorporating these two
elements clearly and seamlessly
- Using grammatically correct language
- Documenting sources appropriately
and consistently
- Writing a clear
and accurate bibliography
- Using an appropriate layout |
The text does
not reach the
level of grade 1. |
The text does
not follow a
scientific style,
but is e.g. list-like
or unpolished. |
The writer
divides the text
into logical parts,
but the parts are
imbalanced.
There is room
for improvement
in language and
use of source
references. |
The language is
exact. The terms
have been
defined. The
style of
presentation
varies, but the
disposition is
clear and
progresses well.
There pictures
are clear and
well argued. The
text is well
polished. |
The text runs
smoothly. The
presentation is
consistent in
style. The use of
figures and
tables is well
justified. The use
of source
references is
flawless. The
whole text is
logical and
consistent when
it comes to
research
question,
description of
research setup,
findings and
conclusions. |
Discussion
proves excellent
understanding
and knowledge
of the entire
topic. The
scientific results
have been
pinpointed with
care with the
help of pictures
and tables.
Language,
disposition,
structure and
the contents of
the different
parts follow
good scientific
practice. The text
is excellent. |
7. Work during the thesis process
- Being open-minded and independent
- Adopting methods and
solving problems creatively
- Completing the thesis in the planned
timetable |
The work does
not reach the
level of grade 1. |
The completion
of the work is
not predictable.
The work
requires a great
deal of
supervising
resources to
bring the work to
an acceptable
form. |
The work
progresses at
varying speeds,
which makes
supervision
challenging. |
The writer
matures into
independent
work during the
thesis process.
The work
primarily follows
the allocated
timetable. |
The writer
quickly matures
into
independent
work during the
thesis process.
The work
typically follows
the allocated
timetable. |
The work is very
creative and
independent.
The work
progresses at a
good speed the
whole time. |