Steps of Social Research in University Theses: A Descriptive Study of Scientific Methodology

Abstract

This study examines the steps of social research as applied in university theses, emphasizing the central role of scientific research in the academic training of students and in developing their intellectual and methodological competencies. The study addresses the issue of the extent to which university theses adhere to a sound methodological framework and how the components of social research are employed in the analysis of real social phenomena.

The descriptive method was adopted as it is appropriate to the nature of the research topic. A number of selected university theses were analyzed in order to explore how research problems are formulated, research questions or hypotheses are developed, appropriate research methods are chosen, research populations are defined, and data collection tools are utilized.

The findings indicate that social research is an integrated methodological process based on interconnected and sequential steps, none of which can be disregarded. The originality of university theses stems from their close connection to social reality, as well as from the researcher’s objectivity and intellectual independence. The results also reveal the see dominance of the descriptive approach in most of the examined theses, with limited methodological diversity in some cases.

The study concludes by recommending the strengthening of methodological training for students at all university levels and encouraging strict adherence to the principles of scientific research, in order to enhance the quality of university theses and their contribution to societal development.