A suggested Scientific Research Environment Measure SREM in Medical Faculties

Abstract Background: Creating a supportive environment for scientific research is vital to improve the quality of research and its impact on development of the society. This study outlines the development of a new scale that can measure the scientific research environment of postgraduate medical students.Methods: Based on literature, an initial list with 58 items was formulated. After discussing with postgraduate students and academic staff members from Damascus University and the Syrian Virtual University, A 38-item scale remained from the initial list of 58 items. To test the scale, postgraduate medical students (n= 30) were asked to fill the scale and answer 38 questions-with a 5-point Likert scale-twice in two separate occasions. The Pearson's correlation coefficient was performed to study the internal correlation. The internal consistency test was performed with Cronbach's Alpha, and the Test-Retest Reliability was conducted to study the reliability of the scale.Results: Thirty postgraduate medical students at Damascus University completed the 38-item scale. Scale scores in the sample displayed good reliability in relation to published results. Findings, showed an internal correlation among its sub-scales. The results showed an acceptable reliability values such as internal consistency (α = 0.863) and test–retest reliability (ICC = 0.093).Conclusions: The Scientific Research Environment Measure (SREM), can be suggested as an effective evaluation instrument which can be applied easily to assess the scientific research environment of postgraduate medical students. This would help the decision makers to support teaching, learning, and research environment through implementing new strategies that inspire postgraduate medical students and increase their engagement.