The study shows how experience changes the way examiners assess students' essays. Using a large number of written assessments, 192 examiners were followed over a period of five years, and the contents of their assessments were analysed both quantitatively and qualitatively. Multilevel regression analysis revealed that, with experience, examiners…

Since their introduction in the 1990s, explicit standards documents have pervaded higher education assessment--success likely linked to their compatibility with constructive alignment and quality assurance regimes. Researchers, however, criticise that such documents are based on a misconception of standards as explicit and absolute, when in fact…

In a context of international concern about academic standards, the practice of external examining is widely admired for its role in defending standards. Yet a contradiction exists between this faith in examining and continuing concerns about standards. This article argues that external examining rests on assumptions about standards which are…

In practice and process PhD examination is distinctive, reflecting the high expectations of students whose learning has been directed to their becoming researchers. This article builds on previous research on the examination of Australian theses that revealed that examiners in Science (n?=?542) and Education (n?=?241) provide a substantial…

The question of what a doctorate is has been looked at before. The author argues that the issue of "doctorateness" is a recurring debate which needs to kept alive and revisited regularly. The aim of this article is to suggest five different areas or arenas in which the question can be addressed, forming a framework which can perhaps be…

The use of external examiners in the doctoral assessment process is seen as a quality assurance process in most higher education systems. This article suggests that the selection of examiners is a critical aspect of that process. Interview analysis highlights the professional/academic considerations involved in selecting suitable examiners, as…

This article presents some of the findings from an interview survey of external examiners of undergraduate courses in the UK carried out in 2004. It examines the reasons why academics are willing to take on and continue with this work, despite the other demands on their time and higher institutional priorities such as their own teaching and…

The review of literature, so central to scholarly work and disciplined inquiry, is expected of the Ph.D. student, but how far along the road are they expected to travel? This article investigates the expectations of "the literature" in research and scholarship at Ph.D. level from the examiner and assessment perspective. The analysis…

Interviewed experienced Australian graduate school examiners. Found clear trends with regard to criteria used; critical judgment points in the examination process; perceptions of their own role in the process; and the influence on examiners of previously published work, the views of the other examiners, and the level of perceived responsibility…

Discussion of the PhD examination process in Britain focuses on institutional policies and practices at 20 British universities. Finds that although there is a large degree of inter-institutional consistency regarding key criteria for the PhD award, close inspection of institutional policy suggests that the PhD examination is in fact…

The use of external examiners in the English higher education system is described including their role in consultation and continuous assessment of students. Problems posed by modular systems and other changing patterns of education are outlined. (JMF)