Identifying the dimensions and components of students' research thinking development in Iranian general education system

The purpose of this study was to identify the dimensions and components of the research thinking development of students in the Iranian general education system. The research method was qualitative and based on the grounded theory with a systematic approach. The statistical population of the study consisted of the educational experts in the academic year 1397-98. The research sample was selected through purposeful sampling method using the criteria of theoretical saturation of data. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 educational experts. To obtain validity and reliability of the data, two methods of reviewing by the participants and reviewing by the non-participating experts were used. In order to analyze the data, the three-step coding process (open, axial and selective) was used. First, after collecting and highlighting 126 primary open codes of interviews, 74 open codes, and 16 axial codes (components) were considered. Then, in the selected coding step, 5 main categories, i.e., the priority of research on macro policy making, environmental capabilities, empowerment and efficiency of human resources, problem-oriented educational system and structural and financial development were explained and the proposed conceptual (theoretical) model of developing students' research thinking in the Iranian general education system was presented.