The scientific research competencies among postgraduate students in Omani universities

Abstract

Research competencies are among the most important skills required for students in higher educational institutions worldwide. This study aimed to determine the level of postgraduate students' research competencies in Omani universities. It also sought to identify differences among students based on gender, university type (public or private), and the interaction between these variables. The researchers adopted the scientific research competency scale developed by Al Musawi [1]. The study sample consisted of 220 postgraduate students from various Omani universities, including 143 females and 77 males. The results indicated that the research competencies of Omani postgraduate students were high, with defining the research problem being the most developed competency. No significant differences were found between male and female students regarding research competencies. However, students in public universities demonstrated higher research competencies than those in private universities. This study provides valuable insights into the research competencies of postgraduate students in Oman. The findings could assist higher education institutions in developing targeted research competency programs for their students.