Question #1: Is the purpose of >prelims to
>test competency in a solid knowledge base (i.e., content exam) prior to
>doctoral work or in a general skill set (i.e. stats and 
>>methods)?<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>


In my department, the answer is the latter.  We must show competence in 6 areas:
specialty (e.g., Developmental), non-specialty (e.g., Social), stats/methods,
history and systems, ethics, and diverity.  We develop and write 3 large scale
"papers" that show our knowledge in these area while also demonstrating the
generation of novel ideas and information.
>
><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span >style='font-size:

>10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'><o:p>�</o:p></span></font></p>>
>
><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span >style='font-size:

>10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'>Question #2: If it is content >based should

>the content be broad (e.g., any topic from PSYC 101) or narrow (in the >test

>takers specialization?

As above, the specialization is a part of it.

For what it's worth, I think this format is pretty good.  My advisor wrote a
very specific paper in a very specific area for her prelims and basically never
wants to think about that subject matter again.  By making the exam broader,
we (I am still a student and did this last spring) are able to demonstrate our
breadth of knowledge and to demonstrate our ability to add to the field.

Erin K.
*****
Erin A. Kennedy
Department of Psychology
Saint Louis University
3511 Laclede Avenue
St. Louis, MO  63103
(314) 977-2262
[EMAIL PROTECTED]


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