Knock, knock Who's There?
Evidence!
Since design education (in the UK) became institutionalised (degree equivalent) in the 1960s, studio tutors have reasoned that their practice is underpinned by theoretical knowledge, rather than merely a practice of "problem solving". This underpinning (critical, intelligent and contextual) has supported the establishment of both thesis and practice-based PhD design programmes *.
A necessary requirement for the award of PhD degrees is that the research is supported by evidence.
Evidence is provided by the PHD candidate in support of his/her thesis argument, and evidence sufficiency is judged by the PhD examiners.
Evidence, then, is necessarily specific for the particular purpose of the thesis.
Moreover, in the broader context of assessing research quality for evidence based policy and practice, the debate may address "fitness for purpose" research**.
BJ
* An example of the requirements for evidence based Thesis for PhD degree (quote):
'4.1. The thesis shall:
(a) consist of the candidate's own account of his/her investigations ... ;
(b) and form a distinct contribution to the knowledge of the subject and afford evidence of originality by the discovery of new facts and/or by the exercise of independent critical power;
(c) and be an integrated whole and present a coherent argument;'
'4.1.4. In the fields of ... Design and Media ... the thesis may include a portfolio, exhibition or other audio-visual display.This must be original work which exemplifies and locates the ideas which are developed in conjunction with the written part of the thesis. However presented, this work must be accompanied by an adequate and approved form of retainable documentation.'
'7.1.4. ... the examiners shall indicate whether the thesis meets the requirements specified in paragraph 4.1 .... and shall include a reasoned statement of the examiners' judgment of the candidate's performance.'
University of London Regulations for the degrees of MPhil and PHD. Available at:
http://www.london.ac.uk/fileadmin/documents/students/postgraduate/research_facilities/MPhil_PhD_regs_from_Sept_2009.pdf [Accessed: 10.11.2014]
** Boaz, A and Ashby, D. 2003. Fit for purpose? Assessing research quality for evidence based policy and practice. Available at: http://www.kcl.ac.uk/sspp/departments/politicaleconomy/research/cep/pubs/papers/assets/wp11.pdf [Accessed: 10.11.2014]
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