Assessment of Research Studies Carried out by Graduate Students in St. Mary’s University
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Date
2014-08
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to assess the research studies carried out by
postgraduate students. The research reports of the students and interviews with
instructors, advisors, dean and coordinator were used as source of both
quantitative and qualitative data. A total of 27 students’ theses were selected
using systematic random sampling from St. Mary University’s library index.
Interview was used to scrutinize the information obtained in documentary
analysis. The informants of the interview were 6 purposively selected MA and
PhD qualified teachers. Both quantitative and qualitative techniques were used
to analyze the data. The major findings of the study showed that all sample
theses except three met the minimum quality standard. Regarding the status of
students’ research studies, the assessment results implied that students produced
a good number of research papers. On the other hand, the results of the
quantitative and qualitative analyses of the data identified major challenges and
major gaps or weaknesses of graduate students experienced in St. Mary’s
University while they undertake research. These are: appropriateness of sample
size, the research design, methods of subject selection, and subject characteristics.
The paper, therefore, highly recommended that it is worthy to emphasis in report
writing skills ,data analysis using the statistical package SPSS and giving a
special attention of students’ attendance in research methodology courses are
among others
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Education