Assessment criteria and grading scale
The assessment criteria for a doctoral dissertation at Åbo Akademi University are as follows:
Choice of topic and research problem
The dissertation should present solid new knowledge, demonstrate innovative approaches, and may also introduce an entirely new branch of research. The scope of the dissertation should be appropriate. The aim, problem formulation, and research questions should be clearly defined so that they can be meaningfully addressed.
Conceptual clarity and theoretical mastery of the subject
The dissertation should demonstrate a high degree of conceptual clarity. Relevant theory must be correctly applied and contribute to an insightful formulation of the research problem. In an atheoretical dissertation, particular emphasis is placed on methodological rigor and clarity. Definitions and conceptual structures should be clearly formulated and consistently applied throughout the work.
Research methods
The methods used should be well justified and appropriate in relation to the research problem. Consistent and insightful use of research methods is considered a merit.
Material and source criticism
The material should be of high qualitative value and quantitatively sufficient in relation to the research problem and method. The source material must be critically examined and reliably presented through accurate quotations, references, and citations.
Presentation of results
The research results should be presented clearly and logically. The analysis must be consistent and well-founded. The presentation of results should correspond to the aim and research problem.
Conclusions
The conclusions should be systematic and well-grounded, and derived from the aim, research problem, material, and method.
Overall structure and language
The dissertation should be logically structured, the language clear, and the visual presentation well-organized. The text should be coherent and focused on the essential content. Arguments should progress in a logical manner. The author should demonstrate critical thinking, originality, and independence.
The defence of the doctoral dissertation is also taken into consideration in its assessment.
The grading scale for a doctoral dissertation at Åbo Akademi University is two-graded:
| Pass | The dissertation shows no major deficiencies according to the various assessment criteria, and weaknesses in certain areas are compensated by strengths in others. The dissertation contributes new knowledge to the relevant field. The formal aspects of the dissertation are largely flawless, and the examinee demonstrates a solid command of the subject. |
| Pass with honours | The dissertation work is consistently of high quality. It is characterized by independence and confidence, and contributes significant new knowledge at the forefront of research in the relevant field. To receive the grade pass with honours, the doctoral dissertation must clearly meet the highest international standards. |