Sources of Soft Power of the Islamic Republic of Iran In Higher Education Based on a ComprehensiveScientific Map of the Country

This study was conducted to identify the sources of soft power in the Islamic Republic of Iran in higher education based on a comprehensive scientific map and to present a paradigm model. The above study was an applied objective in terms of approach and data collection, exploratory agnostic and qualitative method (semi-structured interview) was used and then quantitative method (researcher-made questionnaire) was used. The sample consisted of 384 students in quantitative section and 936,491 students of Tehran universities were selected through random cluster sampling. Sampling was a qualitative part based on purposeful method based on theoretical saturation rule. Data collection tools were interviews and a researcher-made questionnaire. Their content validity was confirmed by experts and its reliability was 943 using Cronbach's alpha. The data were analyzed using SPSS software. The results of 8 dimensions and 19 components for soft power resources of higher education are determined. Qualitative data analysis was performed based on foundation data theory in humanities studies using strauss and corbin three-stage encoding method (1990), 88 concept code, 19 categories and 5 paradigm dimensions were obtained. Quantitative data analysis was performed using factor analysis, mean and one-sample t-test. The findings indicate that based on the identified dimensions and markers and by providing the necessary basis for full implementation of the comprehensive scientific map of the country and application of the model developed in this study, higher education can be become one of the most important sources of soft power in the Islamic Republic of Iran. The main suggestion of this study is to use soft power resources of higher education, pay special attention to each identified dimensions and components in order to remove barriers to using higher education capacities in promoting soft power of the country and trying to operationally document the comprehensive scientific map of the country.