إشكالية عدم توظيف الإطار النظري في أطروحات ماجستير برنامج علم الاجتماع و علاقته بجودة الإنتاج العلمي الاجتماعي : دراسة طولية لحالة جامعة السلطان قابوس

Abstract EN

The current study aims to investigate the effect of malfunctioning of theoretical analytical framework in either research plans or Master’s theses on the quality of scientific sociological research production.

To achieve the aim of the study, the researcher has raised a number of research questions including the reasons for not using the analytical theoretical framework in research design, the epistemological and methodological challenges, and appropriate proposals to functioning theoretical frameworks.

The present study has employed the analytic descriptive approach, using the method of conclusive documentary survey to examine a sample of (48) Master’s theses of Sociology Program in Sultan Qaboos University.

The findings revealed an absence of analytical theoretical framework in the majority of investigated theses (34 out of 48 theses, 80% of sample).

This finding reflects the lack of postgraduate students of both theoretical and methodological knowledge.

In addition, findings revealed that most academic staff involved in viva committees are not specialized in sociology (37 out of 48 external examiners are not specialized in sociology).

Furthermore, the scientific research production quality is affected by the lack of originality leading to a conclusion that most produced Master’s theses do not contribute to Omani society development.

Recommendations are proposed to improve the quality of scientific research outcomes.