Evaluation of the accuracy of research methodology in Materials and Methods part of student theses in Islamic Azad University Dental Branch

For each and every graduate student the process of composing a thesis is the center part of training and education in research methodology. The content of such material becomes important when the research study turns into a manuscript which is submitted for publication in a journal of medical sciences. Deficiencies and drawbacks in terms of research methodology in student theses still remains a controversial issue. Due to lack of sufficient information concerning the accuracy of research methodology in student theses, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of research methodology in "materials and methods" part of student theses and associated factors. The research was conducted on student theses in Islamic Azad University, Dental Branch in 2007-2008.

All presented theses from 09/23/2007 to 09/21/2008 in Islamic Azad University, Dental Branch were evaluated in this descriptive study. The materials and methods aspect of the theses were assessed for accuracy based on 15 variables and classified into 3 categories (correct, relatively correct and incorrect). Information regarding associated factors including student specifications, related department and head researcher… were collected and entered into a data sheet. Each thesis was assessed for accuracy as follows: "correct: if more than 75% of variables were correct"; "relatively correct: if 50-75% of variables were correct"; "incorrect: if less than 50% of variables were correct". The role of associated factors was determined using chi-square statistical test.

137 student theses were evaluated. The rate of inaccuracy in research methodology of materials and methods was found to be 30.6%. Not reporting the reliability of the instrument measurement was seen in 79% of the cases. 71% of the authors failed to justify the sample size and 25% used incorrect statistical tests for data analysis.

This study indicated that there are significant deficiencies in methods and materials section of student written theses which requires proper steps to be taken to reduce the level of inaccuracies in research methodology. This will not only improve the validity of the research itself but will also prevent erroneous results from being presented to the public.