Building a Better Prelims
2016 ◽
Vol 60
(1)
◽
pp. 366-369
Keyword(s):
The Real
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During the fall of 2015, the Human Factors and Applied Cognition Area at North Carolina State University entirely revised the preliminary exam for Ph.D. candidacy to match human factors pedagogical goals and the real-world needs of the students. Emphasis in the new preliminary exam is on transparency, objectivity, and productivity, particularly the re-use of materials. The new exam assesses depth and breadth of knowledge, requires demonstration of research and teaching skills, and is preparation for work in either academia or industry. The following paper details the process and products relating to the new “portfolio” preliminary exam.