The Scientific Research Unit at the Vice-Dean’s Office for Graduate Studies and Scientific Research held a one-week program for developing scientific research skills from the period September 30th – October 2nd, 2019. The event was opened for staff, teaching assistants, graduates and students as well as to administrative staff who have interest in research. On the first day, the program opened by a lecture delivered by Dr. Hajed Al-Otaibi, entitled “ Introduction to Scientific Research”, which focused on highlighting several topics including the importance and characteristics of scientific research, methodology, style, types of research and the important steps of carrying out a research. Dr. Mohammed Medhat, Head of e-Learning Unit, delivered a lecture, entitled “ Scientific Integrity: Percentage of Citation”. The lecture addressed the definition of integrity and misconduct in research, cases of research retraction and the common cases of plagiarism. Attendees were also introduced to the best strategies to avoid plagiarism such as rephrasing and stating the references. Some of the anti-plagiarism programs were mentioned with a particular focus on Turnitin Program which is used at Majmaah University. On the second day, a lecture entitled “ Requirements of Research Proposal” was presented by the Supervisor of Financial Department at the college and the Head of Scientific Research Unit, Dr. Mubarak Aboudi, who outlined the essential requirements of writing a well research proposal. Dr. Al-Aboudi talked about the following topics: title of research, introduction of research, problems of research, hypothesis of research, significance of research, objectives of research, literature review, samples, keywords, limitations of research, methodology, results and recommendation of research and references. Dr. Murad Al-Shaboul from English Department, presented a lecture entitled “ How to choose a Research Topic: Practical Procedures”, and focused on three topics as follow: First topic: Importance of title, area of research and research problems along with examples Second topic: Resources and research topics. The importance of researcher’s passion and interest in a particular for selecting a topic was highlighted. The literature review of a research is also significant for the researcher to identify a research gap and avoid replications. Researchers were advised to be in contact with people who have interest in the field via attending seminars and conferences. Third topic: criteria of selecting a research topic that is original and clear and importance of research results for the community. On the third day, a lecture entitled “ How to set up a Database using Endnote Program” was presented by the Head of Student Support Unit, Dr. Aiman Jaradat, who provided an overview of the program, how to install it from the digital library and how to use it. Dr. Jamal Halawah, Head of Training Unit, delivered a lecture titled “ How to choose a Research Methodology” which highlighted the major methodologies a researcher can use such as the descriptive and historical methodology. Dr. Halawah also talked about the researcher samples, results, recommendations and references.
