Thesis Review Criteria

[Master's thesis review criteria]

■Master's Thesis
For the award of a Master's degree, the Master's thesis submitted by the applicant is examined by one chief examiner and two sub-examiners, and the applicant is then given a final examination (oral examination) to determine whether or not the thesis has passed. The examination criteria are as follows:

[Examination Criteria (Master's Thesis)]
1. Appropriateness of research theme selection: Research objectives that are deemed to be sufficiently valuable in light of the current state of the research field are clearly set.
2. Appropriateness of the investigation of prior research and related information: A sufficient investigation of the state of prior research in the research fields related to the research objectives has been conducted and the results have been presented in an appropriate organized manner.
3. Appropriateness of research methods: Appropriate research methods are used to achieve the research objectives, and necessary ethical considerations are taken into account.
4. Appropriateness of logical structure: The logic from setting the research objective to the conclusion is developed appropriately and consistently.
5. Originality and usefulness of conclusions: The conclusions reached as a result of the research must be recognized as new research findings in the relevant research field.
6. Appropriateness of thesis writing techniques: The writing techniques, such as writing expression, sentence structure, method of displaying data, and method of displaying reference information, are appropriate for an academic paper.


■ Results of research on a specific topic (Human Innovation course only)
For the award of a Master's degree, the results of research on a specific topic submitted by the degree applicant will be reviewed by one chief examiner and two sub-examiners, who will then pass or fail the applicant after a final examination (oral examination). The examination criteria are as follows:

[Criteria for review (results of research on a specific topic)]
1. Appropriateness of research topic selection: A research topic that is recognized as being sufficiently valuable in light of the relevant social practice situation is selected.
2. Appropriateness of the survey on relevant information: Sufficient surveys have been conducted on the situation of social practices related to the research topic, and the social needs for the research topic have been clarified.
3. Appropriateness of research methods: Appropriate and practical research methods are used to achieve the research question, and necessary ethical considerations are taken into account.
4. Clarity and persuasiveness of the research process: The path to the research results must be clearly and persuasively presented, based on sufficient supporting evidence and relevant academic knowledge.
5. Originality and usefulness of research results: The research results obtained make a useful and original contribution to the relevant social practice situation.
6. Appropriateness of the presentation techniques for research results: The research results and the process of their examination are presented clearly and persuasively using appropriate and effective methods, including text, charts, images, etc.

Doctoral dissertation examination criteria:

The decision on whether or not to award a doctoral degree is made by a screening committee consisting of one chief examiner and two or more sub-examiners, who review the doctoral thesis submitted by the applicant, submit a "screening result report" to the Doctoral Program Committee detailing the results of the screening, final examination (oral examination), and certification of two foreign languages. The committee then makes a decision based on this report. The screening criteria are as follows:

[Examination Criteria (Doctoral Dissertation)]
1. Appropriateness of the selection of research topic: The research objectives that are recognized as being sufficiently valuable in the context of the relevant research field are clearly set based on the accumulation of research results published by the degree applicant to date.
2. Appropriateness of the research on previous research and related information: The applicant must have conducted a thorough research on previous research in various research fields related to the research objectives, including previously published research results, and the results must be presented in an appropriate and organized manner.
3. Appropriateness of research methods: Appropriate research methods are used to achieve the research objectives, and necessary ethical considerations are taken.
4. Appropriateness of logical structure: The logic from setting the research objective to the conclusion is developed appropriately and consistently.
5. Originality of conclusions: The conclusions reached as a result of the research must be recognized as original and important research findings that will contribute to the development of the relevant research field.
6. Appropriateness of thesis writing techniques: The writing techniques, such as writing expression, sentence structure, method of displaying data, and method of displaying reference information, fully meet the standards required for academic papers.
7. Future potential of the degree applicant: The degree applicant is deemed to have sufficient academic knowledge and ability to be expected to contribute to the relevant research field as an independent researcher.