Graduate Studies Research Guide
This guide constitutes a clear guiding methodological tool that accurately explains how to write practical theses for graduate students, in form and content, and contains an adequate explanation of the criteria for fulfilling the thesis requirements for admission to obtain degrees in “BARVQ” .
Scientific Aspects:
- Abstract
(A) Recommended action | (B) Criteria | (C) Met | (D) Not met |
Not exceed one page. Describe research problem Identify the research purpose and theoretical foundations, summarize the key research question(s) briefly describe the overall research design and data analytic procedures. Identify the key results, and recommendations Do not include references. | An abstract contains a brief Description of: (research problem , research problem ,research question(s), research design and data analytic procedures., key research results, and recommendations ), with no more one page ,and with out references. | An abstract include all elements that mentioned in column ” B” . and not exceed to more than one page , and /or doesn’t contains references. | An abstract doesn’t include one or more element that mentioned in column ” B”, and /or exceed to more than one page , and /or contains references. |
- Background of the Problem
(A) Recommended action | (B) Criteria | (C) Met | (D) Not met |
show the research as interesting topic to read, and encourage readers to continue reading. indicate why the problem deserves new research. indicate how important the study is, in solving an applied business problem. | A Background of the Problem that shown as interesting topic to read , and clearly indicate the need and importance of the study . | A Background of the Problem that include all elements that mentioned in column ” B”. | A Background of the Problem doesn’t include one or more element that mentioned in column ” B”. |
- Problem Statement
(A) Recommended action | (B) Criteria | (C) Met | (D) Not met |
Provide a brief introduction to the research topic through an introductory sentence or two at most. Describe the potential negative effects of the research problem focusing on the appropriate stakeholders, preferably supporting a review of previous literature. Briefly review what the previous literature concluded, which addressed the problem, with a focus on the results; And then prove the need for a new approach through your research. | A clear Problem Statement that Briefly describe a research problem, whose dimensions were not fully addressed in the previous literature, creating the need for a new approach that can be clarified through your research. | A clear Problem Statement that include all elements that mentioned in column ” B”. | A clear Problem Statement that doesn’t include one or more element that mentioned in column ” B”. |
- Purpose Statement
(A) Recommended action | (B) Criteria | (C) Met | (D) Not met |
Briefly describe your motives for choosing the research topic, and the potential practical benefit you expect from the research outputs to solve existing problems. Let the purpose of the research emanate from the statement of the problem that you previously identified. If any, specify the entity that supports this research (eg, for-profit, non-profit, government). Specify the scope of the search in time and place. | A statement of purpose that describes your motives for choosing the research topic, and the potential practical benefit of the research outputs, emanating from the statement of the problem, and specifying the scope of the research in terms of time and space. | A statement of purpose include all elements that mentioned in column ” B”. | A statement of purpose that doesn’t include one or more element that mentioned in column ” B”. |
- Research Question
(A) Recommended action | (B) Criteria | (C) Met | (D) Not met |
In general, it is recommended that the research questions be formulated as: Specific & concise : summarize the research problem ,and expressed in the fewest possible words. It includes analysis and not just description, that the research question should refer to the analytical dimensions of the research problem and not be satisfied with a description or mere mention of the problem. Rather complex: it cannot be answered with a “yes” or “no”, but requires a compilation and analysis of ideas and sources before an answer is formed. It should not be too loose, that possible answers are open to debate rather than accepted facts. Suitable for the size of the search so that it is not too easy or too difficult to answer within the number of certain words. Practical, and searchable. So that accurate and sufficient sources of information can be found to rely on in the completion of the research, such as academic books and research in scientific journals .. and others. | A ” SMART ” research questions, that be : Specific concise , Analytical , Rather complex , Suitable for the size of the search Practical. | A research questions include all elements that mentioned in column ” B”. | A research questions that doesn’t include one or more element that mentioned in column ” B”. |
- Conceptual Framework
(A) Recommended action | (B) Criteria | (C) Met | (D) Not met |
Make your literature review to include a comprehensive review of the literature related to the conceptual framework you are proposing for your study. Go deeper by reading the theories you found in previous studies related to your topic with a critical eye. Select the theory or conceptual model that best fits the research question. Discuss your findings through your reading and reviews to determine the direction of your research, by confirming, denying, expanding, etc. Your resulting conceptual framework will be the perspective through which the research problem will be viewed. | A Conceptual Framework that include a comprehensive review of the literature related to the research and best fits the research question. | A Conceptual Framework that includes all elements that mentioned in column ” B”. | A Conceptual Framework that doesn’t include one or more element that mentioned in column ” B”. |
- Research Method
(A) Recommended action | (B) Criteria | (C) Met | (D) Not met |
Choosing & justifying methodological approach Deducting your Target Audience and timeframe. Describing methods of data collection and methods of analysis. | Regarding to selected Research Method, it should clearly answer: Why is this the most suitable approach to answering research questions? Is this a standard methodology in this study field or does it require any justification? | A Research Method that includes all elements that mentioned in column ” A”. | A Research Method that doesn’t include one or more element that mentioned in column ” A”. |
- Assumptions
(A) Recommended action | (B) Criteria | (C) Met | (D) Not met |
There’s nor rule to the optimum hypothesis number, it is based Regarding to research projects nature. it could be one, or several hypotheses that address different aspects of research question. hypotheses should be: based on existing theories and proven knowledge. Testable can be supported or refuted through scientific research methods . | A hypothesis must states predicted answer to your research question that has not yet been tested. It is not just a guess, it must be testable through scientific research methods like: experiments, and data analysis for example . | A hypothesis that includes all elements that mentioned in column ” A”. | A hypothesis that doesn’t include one or more element that mentioned in column ” A”. |
- Limitations, and Delimitations
(A) Recommended action | (B) Criteria | (C) Met | (D) Not met |
When considering the limitations , you may think about: The tools you used. The Sample you test . Time constraints. When considering the Delimitations , you may think about: Literature you will not review (and why not). The sample you are not studying (and why not). The methodology you won’t use (and why won’t you use it). | Limitations are deficiencies, conditions or Effects that the researcher cannot control and that place constraints on methodology and conclusions. Any limitations that may affect the results should be mentioned. Delimitations Selections are choices the researcher makes and describe the boundaries you set for the study. | A Limitations, and Delimitations that includes all elements that mentioned in column ” A”. | A Limitations, and Delimitations that doesn’t include one or more element that mentioned in column ” A”. |
- Review of Literature
(A) Recommended action | (B) Criteria | (C) Met | (D) Not met |
State your research topic View the resources used Organize your results Discussion/analysis of the literature: Summarize/compile the main literature dealing with your research topic. Discuss common themes, gaps, etc… Conclusion: Restate your topic and explain if it has changed after the revision and what are the next steps for your research. You may use many methods (Quoting, Paraphrasing, Summarize, Synthesize,….) | There are not many quotes. Quotes are used wisely and credibly. Quotes are only used to highlight specific passages or ideas that are typical of the research, theory, or topic you are researching. Paraphrasing is used to inform, in the researcher’s own words. Important results are summarized A comparison is made, noting the weaknesses, strengths and gaps between the literature review of the work of other authors clarifying the difference and the addition that the researcher will add to the existing literature | A Review of Literature that includes all elements that mentioned in column ” A”. | A Review of Literature that doesn’t include one or more element that mentioned in column ” A”. |
- Research Design
| (A) Recommended action | (B) Criteria | (C) Met | (D) Not met |
| There is generally no method or standard design for all types of research, and it is sufficient to use a design appropriate to the sample and the rationale of the research. The desirability of using a specific research method (for example, determining whether the study is based on quantitative or qualitative analysis or a combination of both, etc.) Developing convincing justifications for using the chosen research method without any other research methods. The choice of research method can be supported by using a number of scientific sources for similar studies or by citing from the main sources of research methods. | A research design that fits the sample and the rationale for the research. Defines the type of research (quantitative, qualitative, or a combination of the two, etc.), with a compelling justification for using the chosen research method supported by the scientific sources of similar studies. | A research design that includes all elements that that mentioned in column ” A”. | A research design that doesn’t include one or more element that mentioned in column ” A”. |
- Ethical Research
| (A) Recommended action | (B) Criteria | (C) Met | (D) Not met |
| Research ethics provides joint guidelines for the responsible research. it depends on two basis : Giving credit where credit is due. Never use plagiarizing. there are many some ethical principles must be considered for a responsible research. like: (Respect for Intellectual Property, Honesty, Objectivity, Openness, Confidentiality, Legality, Human Subjects Protection… etc.) | A Research ethics guideline that conduct principles to be considered by Giving credit where credit is due, and avoiding misconduct like: (falsification : tampering with research materials or altering or deleting data or results so that the search is not accurately represented in the search history. Plagiarism: the appropriation of another person’s ideas, processes, results or words without giving proper credit. And …etc.) | A Research ethics guideline that includes all elements that mentioned in column ” A”. | A Research ethics guideline that doesn’t include one or more element that mentioned in column ” A”. and /or include misconduct. |
- Data Collection – Instruments & Technique
| (A) Recommended action | (B) Criteria | (C) Met | (D) Not met |
| Choosing a basic data collection tool and demonstrating knowledge of how to use it (e.g., questionnaire, historical data, interviews, focus groups, documents, etc..). Justify the reason for choosing the tool and demonstrate the reliability and validity of the data collection tool/process (e.g. via pilot testing, etc.). Clarify the usage protocol for the selected search tools step by step Review the advantages and disadvantages of the chosen data collection technique, and clarify the limitations and difficulties in data collection, if any. Where applicable, it should be indicated where possible that all raw data will be stored securely for a period of 3 years. | Choosing research tools and techniques appropriate to the nature of the research and the sample of data for the study community, demonstrating knowledge of how to use them, justifying the reason for choosing the tool, proving the reliability and validity of its measurements, and clarifying the mechanism of its use and safe storage for a period of 3 years. | A tools and techniques appropriate to the nature of the that includes all elements that that mentioned in column ” A”. | A tools and techniques doesn’t appropriate to the nature of the ,and doesn’t include one or more element that mentioned in column ” A”. and /or include research misconduct. |
- Data Analysis
| (A) Recommended action | (B) Criteria | (C) Met | (D) Not met |
| At all times, the primary objective of analysis should be to elicit definitive, unbiased insights. Researchers must have the skills to analyze data, and must be trained in several relevant statistical methods, as the research requires. It is advised to obtain statistical advice at the beginning of the analysis especially in designing a survey questionnaire, choosing data collection methods, and selecting samples. Common statistical errors affecting the results of the analysis, (such as anomalous values, missing data, data change, graphic representation errors, sampling errors…) should be avoided. The best possible tool for data analysis must be used, justify its selection, prove its reliability and validity for the research topic, and clarify how to link the conceptual framework and the main topics to the results of the analysis. | A Data analysis that carried out using the best possible tool chosen in the light of prior statistical advice, with justification for its selection and proof of its reliability and validity for the research topic, and clarification of how to link the conceptual framework and the main topics to the results of the analysis, leading to results and eliciting unbiased final research outputs. | A Data analysis that includes all elements that mentioned in column ” A”. | Data analysis that doesn’t include one or more element that mentioned in column ” A”. and /or include research misconduct. |
- Discuss the results
| (A) Recommended action | (B) Criteria | (C) Met | (D) Not met |
| The formulation of the research results utters an important fact, which is:” The results of the study do not prove anything. The results can only confirm or reject the hypothesis on which your study is based.” The page length of this section is determined by the amount and types of data to be reported. It is recommended to create an introductory context for understanding the findings by paraphrasing the research problem on which your study is based to reorient to the research problem. Be Concise, It is recommended to condense a lot of data into one place, by including non-text elements (eg figures, graphs, images, maps, tables, etc. to further clarify the key findings, if appropriate). Provide a systematic description of your findings and highlight important findings that you discovered through the process of prior literature review and data collection. Highlight the most important findings you want your readers to remember as they move into the discussion section. | A Discuss the results , that Consistent with what was mentioned in column ” A” . and It is recommended to avoid: Discuss, interpret, or attempt to explain your findings. Ignore the negative results. Or hesitate to highlight them. or not documented. Excessive presentation of results or use of vague or indefinite phrases Repetition and presenting the same data and information more than once. | A Discuss the results, that includes all elements that mentioned in column ” A”. | A Discuss the results, that doesn’t include one or more element that mentioned in column ” A”. and /or include research misconduct. |
- Conclusion
| (A) Recommended action | (B) Criteria | (C) Met | (D) Not met |
| The conclusion of a research paper briefly is where you leave the strong final impression of your research. There is no single standard rule for formulating a research summary, but it is recommended that it not be devoid of the following elements: Re-presenting and reformulating the research problem Provide a summary of the discussions and/or the main findings of the study Provide a brief outline of the impacts of your research outputs. | A conclusion that ideally concludes and extracts resources in the research, and leaves the reader with a strong impression. It should include a reformulation of the research problem, and a full summary of the discussions, results and effects. | A conclusion that includes all elements that mentioned in column ” A”. | A conclusion that doesn’t include one or more element that mentioned in column ” A”. and /or include research misconduct. |
- Summary
| (A) Recommended action | (B) Criteria | (C) Met | (D) Not met |
| There is no single standard rule for formulating a research summary, but it is recommended that it not be devoid of the following elements: Write a detailed research outline before writing the draft – it can be very useful when structuring the research. Review your work for grammar, spelling, phrasing, and formatting issues. Indication of validation or invalidation of hypotheses; No plagiarism. To avoid this, it is preferable to formulate your ideas from scratch. Adjust the size of the summary, preferably writing in your own words, and stick to a predetermined number of words commensurate with what you want to put in the summary. When summarizing the content, it should be extremely impartial, accurate and purely evidence-based. | A comprehensive research summary that is free from grammatical and spelling errors and problems of drafting and coordination, containing a reference to the validation or invalidation of hypotheses; and free plagiarism. A pre-determined number of words proportional to the size of the search, impartial to the extreme, accurate and based on purely evidence. | A research summary that includes all elements that that mentioned in column ” A”. | A research summary that doesn’t include one or more element that mentioned in column ” A”. and /or include research misconduct. |
- References
| (A) Recommended action | (B) Criteria | (C) Met | (D) Not met |
| Ensures references are presented in accordance with APA guidelines. Ensures That there are no references that do not have associated citations. | A References accordance with APA guidelines. | A References accordance with APA guidelines | A References doesn’t accordance with APA guidelines |
- Formal Aspects:
- Pages :
| (A) Recommended action | (B) Criteria | (C) Met | (D) Not met |
| No more than 250 pages | Thesis written in No more than 250 pages. | No more than 250 pages | More than 250 pages |
- Paper size :
| (A) Recommended action | (B) Criteria | (C) Met | (D) Not met |
| A4 | Thesis written in ” A4″ Paper size | ” A4″ Paper size | different Paper size |
- Words :
| (A) Recommended action | (B) Criteria | (C) Met | (D) Not met |
| No more than 80000 words | Thesis written in 80000 words | No more than 80000 words | More than 80000 words |
- Line :
| (A) Recommended action | (B) Criteria | (C) Met | (D) Not met |
| New time roman 18 for titles (Bold) 16 for outlines (Bold) 14 for text 12 for reference Tables : 13 New time roman | Thesis written regarding to elements that mentioned in column ” A”. | Thesis written regarding to elements that mentioned in column ” A”. | Thesis written not regarding to elements that mentioned in column ” A”. |