Sample Thesis Defense Questions and Answers

1.    What is your research study all about?

In your answer, you should summarize your research in a few sentences. The question is simple but requires technical
expertise for a better explanation of concepts. For instance, if you completed a thesis in an attempt to explain the constituents
of dark matter in the universe and particle accelerators, you could frame your answer like this:

In this research, the different aspects of dark matter and its detection models have been investigated. The cosmic ray
positron excess observed by the PAMELA detector has been discussed and explained through the construction of models of
decaying dark matter. The cosmic-ray electron and positron spectra were studied assuming a general Dirac structure for the
four fermion contact interactions of interest. A supersymmetric leptophilic Higgs model was constructed to explain the
possible excess of gamma rays in the galactic center. Finally, by the use of Razor analysis, an improvement on the dark
matter collider searches is considered.  

2.    Why did you choose this study?

This question requires you to answer what motivated you to pursue the study in the first place. Your answers could touch on
your interests in the area of the study. For example, if you conducted a study called “Media Combat: The Great War and the
Transformation of American Culture” then you can shape your answer like this:

The First World War (1914-1918) has always been a topic of fascination for me, and my prime interest lies in exploring the
state of society at that time. I wanted to analyze the formation of a nationalized, wartime cultural apparatus during the
United States' involvement in the war and how theatre and music transformed the relationship between the government and
American citizens. 

3.    Why did you choose this particular title for your research?

The title of your thesis captures the main point of your research, which is why it is so important to use an appropriate title.
Your committee will want to know how you came to the final decision of naming your work. For example,

I chose the title “Dark matter in the heavens and at colliders: Models and constraints” for my research thesis because my
research attempts to explain the constituency of dark matter as it occurs in the universe. “The heavens” is another word for
the universe. Dark matter can also be created in particle accelerators such as the CERN collider. I have attempted to
provide an explanation for both of the cases through the use of models, along with describing the constraints which exist in
the current times due to certain scientific limitations.

4.    What is the scope of your study?

In your answer, you have to define the boundaries of your project and define exactly what you are studying. There can be
several elements involved but you have to define the parameters that you have chosen to study. For example,

My study is on the efficacy of equity stocks in the US market. For my study, I have chosen 50 companies listed on the
NASDAQ. You can review the names of these companies on page 5 of my thesis.

5.    What phenomenon were you trying to understand with this research?

Describe the focus concept of your thesis in the answer. For example,

In our study “Motivation to volunteer”, we were looking to study the Theory of Planned Behavior by analyzing the
behavioral and normative beliefs that influence attitudes and subjective norms.

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6.    Who will be most interested in your research?

You can talk about who may be affected by your research and the parties who can potentially benefit from the research. Take
a look at this example:

My sociology thesis on “Impact of social media on youngsters” can be of interest to sociology academics, social media
companies, education experts, and parents of youngsters in general.
7.    Did your research questions evolve during the process? If so, how?

Often, qualitative research questions change over time with respect to the responses that you might get from your focus
group. Or you might just change your question as you do lab research or general text research. You can describe the change
to the evaluating committee. For example,

We started our study to understand the impact of the new public policy change on recycling of vinyl waste through
installation of garbage bins specifically for vinyl products. However, after interviewing some of the respondents in the target
community, we found that the rule is actually irrelevant to their behavior and thoughts because the percentage of vinyl waste
in that specific locality was very low and it didn’t need the installation of dedicated bins for the purpose. Going by their
frustrations with the current economic insecurity, our study evolved into the impact of costs incurred by public policy
changes.          

8.    What gaps did you intend to bridge with your research?

Your research thesis must eliminate the present gaps in the concepts related to your subject topic.

The relationship between hard water and its effect on the size of the kidney stone is not clear yet, so we analyzed the mineral
composition of hard water to determine its impact on the size of the kidney stone.

9.    Why is your research significant?

The answer to this research question should outline the impact of your research on your field of study. You may talk about
the new insights contributed by your research and its impact on society.

Through my study on “The effect of chamomile in reducing stress and promoting better sleep,” patients with insomnia and
anxiety will be able to find alternative treatments without the use of medicinal drugs. The medical abilities of chamomile will
promote the usage of ingredients in nature and will encourage the community to plant more herbs and trees.

10. What did you find in your research?

You may describe your research in a few sentences in this answer. For instance,

In our study on “Impact of artificial fluoride in water on the human body,” we found that excessive exposure to high
quantities of Fluoride can result in tooth discoloration and bone issues in humans since it has neurotoxic qualities. 

11. What research findings surprised you?

When you conduct research, you come across findings that you were not expecting earlier. If you had such an experience,
you might describe the same to the evaluation committee when you answer this question. For example,

I was expecting that business promotion through social media would not be a good idea for rural enterprises in developing
countries in my comparative analysis of the usage of traditional and contemporary marketing methods. But I was surprised
to learn that 68% of rural textile businesses in Nigeria promote their products on Instagram.

12. What is the validity of your findings?

You have to talk about the conditions in which your research findings would be valid.

In my research, I have considered test anxiety to be involving both nervous system activation and negative thoughts. Thus,
my measure of test anxiety has included the elements of both nervous feelings and negative thoughts, the conditions in which
my findings are valid.Limited Spots Available

13. Why did you choose this research methodology?

For example,

For studying the differential protein expression, its localization, and distribution at different levels, we used the method of
immunostaining in our research.

14. What sources did you use for data collection?

You would have used several sources to search for data for your topic. You may elaborate on those sources. You might have
referred to databases, content on the web, or even conducted primary research by interviewing prospects. Thus, you can talk
about these sources. Refer to the following answer:

To understand the impact of the current tax regime on skilled workers, we interviewed 150 subjects in 5 months.
Additionally, we referred to databases and scholarly works available by authors who had previously conducted such studies
for previous tax laws and rates. 

15. How can your research be put into practice?

This question talks about the practical implications of your research. You should talk about how your research is beneficial
for society and how it can help in eliminating current issues.

In our research titled “Effectiveness of Meditation on Reducing the Anxiety Levels of College Students in the US,” we
discovered that students who practiced meditation at least thrice a week were two times more likely to score better in their
exams, owing to the positive impact of meditation. So, this research finding can help in the reduction of mental health issues
among students. A suitable course of action would be to hold meditating sessions a couple of times a week. 

16. How will your findings contribute to the related area of knowledge?

For example,

Our study on medicinal analysis of herbs conveys information about various medicinal benefits of chamomile in treating
depression and contributes to the area of medicinal botany.

17. Did you experience any limitations in your research?

For example,

Our research on “Impact of smoking on β-cell function and risk for type 2 diabetes in US citizens” finds that smoking
increases the risk of diabetes among smokers. However, smokers might be affected by some genetic conditions which can
protect them from diabetes. 

18. What sampling techniques did you use?

When conducting research, it is practically not possible to study the entire number of elements. So, you would be using a
method to select a sample population.

In our study “Impact of consumption of soda on the health of teenagers in Corpus Christi”, we used area sampling to divide
the city into several areas and then selected some clusters for our sample group.

19. What are the dependent and independent variables in your research?

In research, several variable factors impact your study. You can describe these variables. Independent variables have values
which are not affected by other variables in your study. On the other hand, the dependent variables have values that change
with changes in the independent variable. For example,

In our study on “Impact of online tutoring on test scores”, the independent variable is the nature of the classes i.e., online
and the participants' test score is the dependent variable.

20. What areas do you suggest for further research?

As a researcher, you should be able to describe what further areas are open for research with the addition of your research to
the field. This can act as a starting point for future researchers. For example,

In my research on “Effectiveness of Acetaminophen in treating sports induced injuries”, I discovered that administering
Acetaminophen is not very effective for treating joint pains such as the knee. This further suggests measures for the
regulation of Acetaminophen in the production of painkillers for body pain and the search for alternative compounds.
Top 25 Likely Project Defense Questions and Answers
Below are likely questions you may face in a defense room. Take note of these questions and suggested answers; do good by
researching more and not limiting yourself to just these questions.

Question 1: In a few sentences, can you tell us what your study is all about?
This appears to be the easiest question, right? However, a lot of lecturers have stated that this is the question many students
get stuck on. Nevertheless, it is a simple question, but a bit complex. The answer to the question is mastering the contents of
each chapter. It is a summary of the study; thus, you should master the abstract.

Question 2: What is your motivation for this study?

This is one of the trickiest questions the panellists will ask you. It will go a long way to clear any doubt about the relevance
of your research. This question can come in another way as.

What is the Research Problem?

The answer is the elaboration of the problem of the research. Your desire to answer this problem becomes a motivation for
the study. Kindly avoid stating the need to graduate or financial reasons as the motivation for the study.

Question 3: How will this study contribute to the body of knowledge?

During your defence, you might be asked how your final year project will contribute to the existing body of knowledge; at
this stage, you will highlight the method employed for the research or theoretical framework or any unique point of the
research to defend your standpoint.

Question 4: What is the significance of the study?

Aside from stating the contribution your final year project is making to knowledge, you will also have to state why the
project is important to society at large. You are presenting a project, right? But have you ever stopped to ask yourself why it
is relevant to society? Think about that and make people realize that what you are proposing is a real differentiator.

This is a very important moment, as it is a chance to show why your final year project should be accepted and the impacts it
can bring. Believe me: you can pass if you can be very convincing on this issue.

Question 5: Did you bridge any gap from your study?

Before you embark on any research work, you must have identified a gap you want to fill. Your ability to cover existing
knowledge gaps guarantees that you will ace your defence. However, you must be convincing enough and provide valid
evidence to back up your point that you fill a lacuna when facing the defence panel.

Question 6: What limitations did you encounter?

Indeed, this question is quite easy; however, it is complicated. When this question is posed, it is not to sympathize with you
but rather for you to highlight the weaknesses of your project. Hence, to ace this question, you must be intentional to avoid
selling yourself short. Avoid highlighting limitations in your methodology and analysis, as this could be used to state that
your research is not well conducted. Rather highlight general limitations such as the time consumption between carrying out
research and attending lectures, financial implications of the research.

Question 7: What are your findings?

When asked this question, the aim is to know whether you have achieved the research objectives. This is the time for you to
discuss the things you have discovered during the study. Your research findings should always be in sync with your research
objectives/questions.

Question 8: What Methods or Sampling Technique did you employ?

In most projects, the answer to this question is the mastery of the third chapter of the project, which is always the
methodology. You must be ready to defend the type of sample you choose.

Question 9: Why choose this method?

Following from the above, you must convince the panel why this particular method is the best for your study. At this stage,
you should quote similar works that employed the same methodology.
Question 10: Based on your research findings, what are your recommendations?
For most research work, it is important to recommend that many students have been scored low during project defence due
to the inability to make recommendations based on the work they have done. Hence, it is highly recommended that you
master the recommendations before going for the defence.

Question 11: Based on your findings, what areas will you suggest for future research?
This type of question is to test the mastery of your field of focus. For instance, if you studied the Foreign Policy of Nigeria
for Africa between 1960-1967, a good area for further study is to understand Nigeria’s Foreign Policy for Africa after the
Civil War.

Question 12: How can your research study be put into practice?
This question is to understand the practicability of your research work. This is quite easy for students in the sciences;
however, it is quite challenging for students in the humanities, social sciences, and sometimes the management sciences due
to the abstract nature of the researched topics. Nevertheless, try to juxtapose the project with the present environment for the
defence panel to be able to relate to your work.

Question 13: How would you summarize your study to a practitioner in a few sentences?
This question is aimed at displaying your ability to pass on technical information. Your confidence and lucidity help you to
ace this question.

Question 14: What would you change if you were to conduct the study again?
This is a very tricky question. Like the study’s limitation, it is also asked to highlight the weak points of the research work.
So be careful of what you say.

Question 15: What is your measurement Instrument?

To put it simply, what data collection method did you use for your study? To answer this question, you state whether you
used secondary sources or questionnaires.

Question 16: What are your research variables?

At this point, you must be fully prepared to prove beyond a reasonable doubt to the defence panel that you understand what
your research is all about. You should identify and explain the independent and dependent variables/themes in your project,
thesis or dissertation to ace your project defence.

Question 17: What are your research questions?

This is a pretty straightforward question. When you master the statement of the problem, it won’t be difficult to answer the
questions which emanated and formed the basis of your research objectives.

Question 18: What do you plan to do with your research project after Graduation?
At this point, the panellists just want to know your plan after the program. So, feel free to speak your mind. If you have plans
to publish your project, this is the best time to say it, and maybe a professor on the panel will be interested in helping you.

Question 19: What source of data was employed for the study?
When asked this question, you state clearly whether you used primary sources (interviews, eye-witness accounts), secondary
sources (books, journals, newspaper), or you employed both for your research work. It is advisable to be honest because
those who asked you the question are experts in this field. To ace this question, you should be able to summarise your
literature review.

Question 20: What theories or theoretical framework is your study based on?
Before going for your defence, ensure you understand at least two theoretical frameworks that can be used to back up your
research. As straightforward as this question appears to be, it has proven to be one of students’ biggest undoing’s during
project defence. Hence, prior to the defence, you can ask your supervisor for help.

Question 21: How would you relate your findings to existing theories on the study?
The best way to anticipate this question is by reading wide. By so doing, you will get to know the existing theories in that
particular field of research. The capacity to draw a nexus between your work and previous works, whether they agree to it or
not, serves as a form of validation for your project, thesis or dissertation.

Question 22: What recommendations do you have for future research?

At this point, your problem skill is being examined with this question. Before the defence, you should have identified areas
in your project that need more attention.

Question 23: What is the scope of the study?

When asked this question, know you have been provided an opportunity to delimit your project, thesis or dissertation. This is
inarguably the cheapest question during project defence.

Question 24: What question(s) do you have for the committee?

This question may seem unlikely when considering Nigeria’s educational environment; nevertheless, when asked such a
question, it is a chance to interact with members of the panel; hence, ask some constructive questions that you might have
prepared before the defence or during the defence. Be cautious of the way you ask the question, don’t make jokes during the
period; the aim is not to make the panellists look stupid.

Question 25: Do you have any closing comments?

At this point, all you need to do is to appreciate the members of the panel for their time, and questions asked so far.
Highlight the lessons you have learned throughout the defence period and how you plan to effect corrections that have been
highlighted during your defence. Most times, this attitude goes a great length in reassuring the supervisors and examiners
that you understood all that had been discussed.

Descriptive research aims to accurately and systematically describe a population, situation or phenomenon. It can
answer what, where, when and how questions, but not why questions.

A descriptive research design can use a wide variety of research methods to investigate one or more variables. Unlike
in experimental research, the researcher does not control or manipulate any of the variables, but only observes and measures
them.

When to use a descriptive research design

Descriptive research is an appropriate choice when the research aim is to identify characteristics, frequencies, trends, and
categories.

It is useful when not much is known yet about the topic or problem. Before you can research why something happens, you
need to understand how, when and where it happens.

Descriptive research methods

Descriptive research is usually defined as a type of quantitative research, though qualitative research can also be used for
descriptive purposes. The research design should be carefully developed to ensure that the results are valid and reliable.

A Likert scale is an orderly scale from which respondents choose the option that best supports their opinion. It can be used to
measure someone’s attitude by measuring the extent to which they agree or disagree with a particular question or statement.

Likert Scale questions are a form of closed question and one of the most widely used tools in researching popular opinion.
They use psychometric testing to measure beliefs, attitudes and opinion. The questions use statements and a respondent then
indicates how much they agree or disagree with that statement. Usually, a scale of 0-10 is provided with Likert Scale
questions, although shorter scales may also be possible.