Perceptions of artificial intelligence tools in scientific research among Omani AOU postgraduate students

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.61251/ijoep.v3i2.358

Keywords:

artificial intelligence, scientific research, research challenges

Abstract

The intersection of artificial intelligence and academic writing has become increasingly pronounced, with each contributing to the advancement of the other.This study aimed to explore the students’ views at the Arab Open University (AOU) in Oman towards  the use of  artificial intelligence (AI) tools to conduct scientific research, as well as to identify difficulties associated with their integration. It analyzed the actual level of AI tool usage and the associated challenges. A questionnaire is used; applying a descriptive method, containing 32 items distributed over two dimensions: the reality of AI utilization in enhancing students' research skills, and the obstacles encountered by postgraduate students when utilizing AI. The results indicated a high level of AI tool utilization in developing research skills. The most common uses were for literature search, title suggestion, academic translation, and scientific writing enhancement. However, the study revealed several challenges, including limited institutional and technical support, lack of training, low awareness of usage mechanisms, high costs of some tools, and ethical concerns related to academic integrity. No statistically significant differences were detected depending on gender, indicating a shared awareness among male and female students regarding AI usage in research. Based on the results, recommendations included offering specialized preparation programs focusing on AI tool utilization across research stages, enhancing digital infrastructure at the university, and integrating AI concepts into research-based courses. It also emphasized promoting ethical awareness to ensure responsible and conscious usage.

Author Biographies

Sami Khatar Mahkoom Al Mazruii, Educational Technology, College of Education, Arab Open University, Sultanate of Oman

Dr. Sami Khatar Mahkoom Al Mazruii is the Assistant Dean of the Faculty of Education and an Assistant Professor of Educational Technology at the Arab Open University, Sultanate of Oman. He specializes in educational technology, artificial intelligence in education, e-learning, and instructional design. He holds a Ph.D. and a Master's degree in Educational Technology and has extensive academic and professional experience in higher education, educational leadership, and technology-enhanced learning. His research interests focus on the integration of emerging technologies and artificial intelligence in education, digital transformation, instructional innovation, and the enhancement of teaching and learning practices. He has authored numerous scholarly publications and has contributed to several funded research projects in these areas.

Muna Mubarak Saleh Al Qasmi, Educational Leadership, College of Education, Arab Open University, Sultanate of Oman

Ms. Muna Mubarak Saleh Al Qasmi is a certified trainer accredited by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation in the Sultanate of Oman and an educational researcher specializing in educational leadership, artificial intelligence in education, digital transformation, and quantitative and qualitative research. She holds a Master's degree in Educational Leadership from the Arab Open University and is pursuing doctoral studies. Her research interests include educational leadership, transformational leadership, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, learning environment quality, professional development for educational leaders, and AI applications in education and research. She has experience in educational research, instrument development, quantitative data analysis using SPSS, and qualitative data analysis using MAXQDA.

Hamed Hilal Nasser ALYahmadi, Educational Leadership, College of Education, Arab Open University, Sultanate of Oman

Professor Hamed Hilal Nasser AlYahmadi is the Dean of the Faculty of Education at the Arab Open University, Sultanate of Oman. He is a professor specializing in educational leadership, educational management, teacher professional development, educational assessment, and qualitative research. He has extensive academic and professional experience in higher education, educational leadership, and research supervision. His research interests focus on teacher evaluation, professional learning communities, school leadership, qualitative research methods, and educational improvement. He has authored numerous scholarly publications in international peer-reviewed journals and has led several research and professional development initiatives in Oman.

Mohammed Mubarak Saleh Al Qasmi, Law, College of Law, Arab Open University, Sultanate of Oman

Mohammed Mubarak Saleh Al Qasmi is a researcher specializing in law, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and scientific research. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Law from the Arab Open University and is pursuing postgraduate studies.His research interests focus on law, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, professional development, and AI applications in organizations and scientific research. He also has experience in educational research. He is committed to advancing scientific knowledge through conducting research and participating in professional training programs that support institutional development and promote innovation and organizational excellence.

Hajar Mohammed Ahmed Al-Hosni, Educational Technology, College of Education, Arab Open University, Sultanate of Oman

Ms. Hajar Mohammed Ahmed Al-Hosni is a Lecturer in Educational Technology at the Arab Open University, Sultanate of Oman, and a researcher specializing in educational technology, artificial intelligence in education, digital learning, educational assessment, and technology-enhanced teaching and learning. She holds a Master's degree in Educational Technology and a Bachelor's degree in English Language and Literature from the Arab Open University. She is a Certified Trainer accredited by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation in Oman and has completed extensive professional training in educational technology, artificial intelligence applications in education, qualitative data analysis using NVivo, research methodologies, instructional design, and digital learning. Her research focuses on AI-supported learning environments, adaptive learning, educational assessment, faculty development, and technology adoption in higher education, with several scholarly publications in international peer-reviewed journals.

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Published

2026-08-07

How to Cite

Al Mazruii, S. K. M., Al Qasmi, M. M. S., ALYahmadi, H. H. N., Al Qasmi, M. M. S., & Al-Hosni, H. M. A. (2026). Perceptions of artificial intelligence tools in scientific research among Omani AOU postgraduate students. Indonesian Journal of Education and Pedagogy, 3(2), 157–171. https://doi.org/10.61251/ijoep.v3i2.358

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