JEDDAH — It may not be surprising for visitors to the popular neighborhood next to the southern side of Jeddah's King Abdulaziz University to find advertisements promoting tutors and textbooks taught in the university. But the presence pamphlets offering assistance in the writing of research papers and dissertations to graduate and doctoral students in Saudi universities is something questionable. Although the concept of integrity and adherence to research methodology is important in preparing a theses, some consider getting outside help in completing the work as nothing undesirable while others say it is outright cheating. Okaz/Saudi Gazette talked to several people who offered assistance in the preparation of research papers and doctoral theses. The cost of what these people call "help" does not exceed SR3,000. They said they were using academics in Jordan to assist the students to understand and analyze scientific data. Omar, who is involved in this type of work for the past five years, said assisting students in writing research papers through proofreading and arranging chapters as well as providing references is not cheating. "I use the help of experts and academics from Jordan in the same specialization," said Omar. "I studied business management and I have many customers who are satisfied with my work," he added. Saad Al-Shihri, a postgraduate student in the United States, said any intervention whatsoever in the content of research by outsiders is considered a major flaw in the methodology of scientific research. He pointed out that this is a breach of integrity and violation of scientific research. "Educational regulations in American Universities are very strict about this matter and penalties can be as severe as expulsion from the university," he added.
