Enhancing Research Quality: Emphasizing the Scientific Method, Design Guidelines, and Evidence-Based Assessment

Research quality forms the backbone of research across the disciplines of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), providing a systematic approach to inquiry, experimentation, and discovery. In the fields of Information Technology (IT) and Computer Science, the application of research quality is particularly crucial for ensuring the rigor, validity, and reproducibility of research findings. This paper explores the importance of research quality in STEM research, with a focus on IT and Computer Science, where the rapid pace of technological advancement demands precise and reliable methodologies. The study examines how research quality facilitates hypothesis testing, data analysis, and theory development, enabling researchers to address complex problems, innovate responsibly, and contribute to the advancement of knowledge. By highlighting key examples from IT and Computer Science research, the paper underscores the essential role of the research quality in driving progress, ensuring ethical standards, and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration in the pursuit of scientific excellence