Enhancing the quality and standard of research in Saudi Arabian universities: Selection and use of research methods at doctoral level: An investigative study on the use of research into statistical methods

Abstract

his study investigated the selection and use of research methodologies at doctoral level, with particular emphasis on the use of statistical practices in research and with a focus on the Saudi Arabian context. There are misapplications in certain studies when analysing the statistical data, and some of these inaccuracies come from using improper management and suitable statistical methods at the analysis stage, contributing to misleading research conclusions. A key question was ‘How do academics and PhD students from Education departments in a selected university in Saudi Arabia and a university in Scotland/United Kingdom, from different educational backgrounds, view their readiness, selection, and utilization of statistical methods in PhD research?’. The accurate use of Statistics is critical in academic research, Statistics provide a methodical and objective approach to data analysis and interpretation, allowing researchers to make meaningful conclusions and uncover noteworthy patterns. Thus, a study acquires credibility and assures the validity of its findings by using accurate statistics, allowing policymakers and stakeholders to make educated decisions and perform targeted adjustments that enhance every aspect of society. This study examined PhD students' perceptions of their preparedness for statistical analysis, as well as their statistical and mathematical skills. Currently in Saudi Arabia, a programme of development: Vision 2030, is being implemented and so an aim of this study was to show why reforms are needed in Saudi Arabia's education system and why future university students should have sufficient Mathematical understanding to maintain the PhD researcher's basic knowledge base (Mathematics and Statistics). This was accomplished by sending a questionnaire to PhD students in SA and UK and conducting interviews with Statistics lecturers for postgraduate students in Saudi Arabia. The study found there is data analysis problems, such as inaccurate statistical technique application, a lack of pre-existing Mathematical expertise, wrong data processing, and incorrect result analysis. To increase the accuracy of statistical methods employed in PhD research, the study recommends that qualified statisticians, Statistics centres, and quality Mathematics and Statistics material be developed in the KSA. Furthermore, the research showed the significance of developing educational cadres in Statistics, developing the literacy pathway in schools in Mathematics, and making advanced Statistics courses necessary for postgraduate students in order to improve the quality and credibility of research undertaken, and the significance of students having a mathematical foundation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia