Q & A

What about preparatory schools in this program of research experience? We believe that it is for secondary school only?

QNRF began a funding research of Undergraduate Research Experience Program and has now moved to funding secondary schools' research. God willing, we will gradually continue to include other stages, such as preparatory stage and further. Modify date: 09/11/2011 09:17:30

In which language are proposals submitted? In particular in science and mathematics - Is it to be Arabic or English?

SSREP aims to engage all independent and private secondary schools in Qatar. The research proposal is to be submitted in the language chosen by the teacher. We accept proposals in either language and we will select the appropriate reviewers for either language. Modify date: 09/11/2011 09:16:37

How can you ensure that the research presented is by the student and not by the teacher?

SSREP adopts two approaches to resolve this issue. The first one is that 20% of the final score is on the merit of the teacher's appraisal of the students' role in performing research project which is to be supported by documentation. Secondly, the Qatari students who will be competing for Scientific Excellence Day have to present themselves their research project in front of a judging panel. Modify date: 09/11/2011 09:14:40

Is there a mechanism or a reference to make sure that the idea of the research was not studied in another school? Is there a mechanism to protect intellectual property rights?

We accept repetition if it is unintentional, and we take great care to protect intellectual property through the signing of non-disclosure agreements with the reviewers to protect the intellectual property rights of the participants. Modify date: 09/11/2011 09:12:23

Will the findings of winning projects be applied or pursued by QNRF?

If the research is of benefit to the public and results in a patent, it can be adopted by an investment company or similar. Modify date: 09/11/2011 09:10:09

Is there a certain age to submit a proposal?

Submission is open to all students at the secondary level under the supervision of the teacher or the coordinator of the subject. Modify date: 09/11/2011 09:09:55

Is it possible to have more than one supervisor?

We do not accept at this stage more than one teacher or coordinator to supervise one research project. Modify date: 07/03/2011 12:33:17

On what basis are the reviewers chosen?

QNRF is keen to select the best possible experts in the academic areas specified by the curriculum standards and who would have no conflict of interest. In this regard, the reviewers will not be informed on which school submitted the proposal nor the names of the teachers and students involved. This is to ensure transparency and fairness to all participants. Modify date: 07/03/2011 12:32:29

Will the students examine new ideas that were not previously examined with the help of previous studies, or will they be rewarded for the mechanics of the research irrespective of content?

Students are to be engaged in research topics that allows for them the opportunity to study, identify and apply suitable methods and patterns of scientific research. Modify date: 07/03/2011 12:32:06

Will the research experience include all types of research? If the answer is yes, will the students be expected to carry out statistical analysis in empirical research?

The program will cover all types of research projects in terms of quantitative and qualitative analysis, according to the curriculum standards of the SEC. Statistical analysis is to be applied as required. Its use will be dictated by the nature of the proposal. Modify date: 07/03/2011 12:31:45

The program covers a range of subjects, why not Islamic Studies?

Islamic Studies are not covered presently and until its curriculum standards are established and approved by SEC. We hope that by next year these standards will be available. Incidentally, Qatar will be among the first Arab countries in this regard. Modify date: 07/03/2011 12:31:21

Is the student at the secondary level able to set up a title or specify the title of the research proposal? Are they capable of selecting a sample? Are they capable of applying standards?

We need to apply internationally acknowledged standards which outline how students are exposed to the methods of scientific research. The proposal is to be submitted after coordination between the student(s) and the teacher. Students are expected to gain experience by doing a research project. Hence, one of the objectives of this program is to avail such practical experience to them. This will be a real hands-on educational experience which is one of the main goals of this program Modify date: 07/03/2011 12:30:54

Sometimes a research proposal may include two curriculum standards, but in SSREP the research proposal must refer to only one curriculum standard. Shall we include the nearest curriculum standard and what is the mechanism for that?

The proposed research project must contain a question, and it must be in accordance with one of the SEC curriculum standards. Some research projects deal with problem solving which is well within the documents that were distributed by Curriculum Standards Office to teachers in the SEC. The curriculum standards are cumulative, for example, a standard is introduced in the seventh grade and then again, in more depth, in higher grades, i.e., it varies in approach from one grade level to another. Modify date: 07/03/2011 12:29:49

Why is there no specific activity to study the steps of scientific research over the last three academic years?

The present curriculum standards are based on self-education and scientific inquiry which has changed the concept of scientific research from the previous curricula, in that the teacher must now follow this approach which is based on scientific inquiry to achieve the educational goals. Modify date: 07/03/2011 12:29:10