Research capability among Social Science students in a Private University

Abstract

This survey research aimed to assess the research capability of 250 randomly selected college students enrolled in a private higher institution. Quantitative data were collected, and a validated researcher-made questionnaire was employed to assess the research capabilities of college students classified according to degree program and research exposure. The descriptive statistics employed were frequency, mean, and standard deviation, while the inferential statistics utilized was the t-test for independent samples. Results indicated that as an entire group, the college students showed a moderate level of capability in doing research. When classified according to degree program and research exposure, the college students exhibited a moderate level of research capability. When considering the ranks of specific capabilities according to the degree program, findings showed that the college students indicated the highest mean in the aspect of formulating a title and the lowest mean in terms of using the statistical tool. When grouped according to research exposure, those who were exposed only to senior high school research subjects indicated the highest mean in terms of writing the statement of the problem and showed the lowest mean in using the statistical tool. On the other hand, college students with both exposure to senior high school research subjects and enabling research subjects indicated the highest mean in terms of writing the review of the related literature and writing the background of the study, while indicating lowest mean in terms of using the statistical tool. The College Students did not differ significantly in their research capability when grouped according to Degree Program however they differed significantly in their research capability when grouped according to Research Subject exposure. These findings can contribute to the understanding of research capabilities among college students in private higher institutions, highlighting areas for potential improvement in the pursuit of research.