English abstract
The current study sought to analyze and evaluate research methodology used in the master theses of College of Education at Sultan Qaboos University during the period 2002 to 2013. The study sample consisted of (144) master theses selected by stratified random sampling, (48) theses from each major of the three majors (Curriculum and Instruction, Educational Administration, and Psychology). For the purpose of the study an analysis and evaluation form was developed. It composed of two dimensions: the 1s one for identifying the characteristics of the methodology used in the thesis, and the 2nd for evaluating the methodology used in the thesis. The validity of the form was verified using face validity, and the reliability was verified using agreement coefficient which was 0.89.
The study results showed that the most commonly used method is a descriptive method (68.7%), and the most tool is used is the questionnaire (56.2%), and the most commonly used statistical methods are the elementary methods (98.6%). Also, the results revealed that scientific research standards were met by the theses of the three majors. Psychology ranked first in meeting the standards with a mean of (2.50). The MANOVA results revealed a statistically significant difference (p<0.05) attributable to major in the standards of methodology as a whole, and in all areas, consisting of standards except in the area of "study procedures". The results were discussed in light of the theoretical framework and previous studies. Based on these results, a set of recommendations and suggestions were presented.
