Pro Tip: Never read your student evaluations.

They're just a reminder that no matter how hard you try, you'll never be as entertaining as Netflix or as educational as YouTube.

5 easy tips for defending your thesis:

1. Expect questions from committee members' perspectives

2. Pay close attention to the questions

3. Practice active listening during discussion

4. Take a moment to compose your thoughts before responding

5. Rephrase questions to clarify

Pro Tip: Never read your student evaluations.

They're just a reminder that no matter how hard you try, you'll never be as entertaining as Netflix or as educational as YouTube.

9. Discuss Heterogeneity & Bias

No review is perfect.

Discuss the sources of heterogeneity.
Explore the roots of diverse sources.
Do a risk of bias assessment.

Don't hide your lit review limitations.
Own them with transparency.

8. Outline Analysis & Synthesis

Your analysis and synthesis turn data into meaning.

Clearly outline your methods.
Synthesis breathes life into data.
Show readers how you pieced the puzzle together.

Why is your picture trustworthy?

7. State Data Extraction Methods

Your data is the heart of your review.

Explicitly state what and how you collected:
• Extraction methods
• Variables
• Tools

Give readers a clear window into your process.