Research Competency Needs of University Students: Baseline for Research Manual Formulation
Main Article Content
Abstract
Purpose – This study describes and analyzes the research competency needs of college students in a state university in the Philippines. The research intends to inform the formulation of a research manual for higher education institutions.
Methodology – The study employed a descriptive, quantitative design using a researcher-developed survey questionnaire (eight domains) that was validated (CVI=1.00) and tested for reliability (α=0.963). One hundred fifty (150) selected student-researchers, acting as leaders and members, participated in the survey process. The said respondents were selected using a simple random sampling technique. Stringent research protocols and ethical considerations were strictly followed. Data from the survey were analysed using descriptive statistics (i.e., mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics, such as the Kruskal-Wallis (H) test for the non-normal data analysed.
Findings – The results reveal that the student-researchers have the highest research competency needs. Moreover, there is no variation in their research competency needs (p<0.05), indicating a statistically identical highest level of need to improve their research competencies. At the outset, a research manual was developed to complement the proposed research policy on standardizing the research format and addressing the research competency needs of university students.
Novelty – The development research manual, as an output of the study, provides an innovative way to contextualize instruction and foster creative thinking and innovative solutions to real-life academic and societal problems.
Significance – The findings serve as a valuable reference for using research-based competency needs assessment to foster innovation in research practices.
Article Details
References
Abdullah, L. A. H. (2023). Common mistakes committed and challenges faced in research proposal writing by University of Aden postgraduate students. Journal of Social Studies, 29(1), 18–30. https://doi.org/10.20428/jss.v29i1.2070
Alipour, S. M., Ghaffari, M., & Zare, H. (2024). Influencer marketing research: A systematic literature review to identify influencer marketing threats. Management Review Quarterly, 75(2), 1393–1418. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11301-024-00412-5
Al-Qaseri I. (2016). How to write a research paper: Exploring the challenges faced by Yemeni undergraduate students in writing their graduation research projects. LAP Lambert Academic Publishing.
Altikriti, S. (2022). Challenges facing Jordanian undergraduates in writing graduation research paper. Journal of Language and Linguistic Studies, 18(1), 58-67. Doi: https://doi.org.10.52462/jlls.166
Angraini, L. M., Arcat, & Sohibun. (2024). Learning style factors in achieving mathematical computational thinking ability in mathematics education students. Indonesian Journal of Teaching and Learning (INTEL), 3(3), 136–147. https://doi.org/10.56855/intel.v3i3.1104
Arrieta-Cohen, M. C., Torres-Arizal, L. A., & Gómez-Yepes, R. L. (2024). Evaluating the impact of an educational intervention using project-based learning on postpandemic recovery in rural Colombia. Education Sciences, 14(12), 1341. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci14121341
Baltador, L. A., Grecu, V., Panța, N. D., & Beju, A. M. (2024). Design thinking in education: Evaluating the impact on student entrepreneurship competencies. Education Sciences, 14(12), 1311. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci14121311
Brent, D. (2012). Crossing boundaries: Co-op students relearning to write. College Composition and Communication, 63(4), 558–592. http://www.ncte.org/cccc/ccc/issues/v63-4
Budjalemba, A. S., & Listyani. (2020). Factors contributing to students’ difficulties in academic writing class: Students’ perceptions. UC Journal, 1(2), 135-149. https://doi.org/10.24071/llt.v1i2.2966
Chamely-Wiik, D., Ambrosio, A., Baker, T., Ghannes, A., & Soberon, J. (2023). The impact of undergraduate research experience intensity on measures of student success. Journal of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, 23(1), 14–30. https://doi.org/10.14434/josotl.v23i1.32675
Clarin, A. S., Barosa, M. A. G., Suico, C. D. A., Bazar, J. S., Galindo, R. P., & Baluyos, G. R. (2025). Challenges encountered by college students in research. EduLine: Journal of Education and Learning Innovation, 5(2), 219–239. https://doi.org/10.35877/454RI.eduline3610
Comon, J., & Corpuz, G. (2024). Teachers’ research competence and engagement: Basis for research development plan. American Journal of Arts and Human Science, 3(1), 24–44.. https://doi.org/10.54536/ajahs.v3i1.2340
Cutillas, A., Benolirao, E., Camasura, J., Lilio, E., Yamagishi, K., & Ocampo, L. (2024). Antecedents of undergraduate research skills and the mediating role of grit. Studies in Higher Education, 50(6), 1180–1205. https://doi.org/10.1080/03075079.2024.2367146
Girard, N., Cardona, A., & Fiorelli, C. (2024). Learning how to develop a research question throughout the PhD process: Training challenges, objectives, and scaffolds drawn from doctoral programs for students and their supervisors. Higher Education, 89(4), 1001–1020. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10734-024-01258-2
Gorbunova, A., Lange, C., Savelyev, A., Adamovich, K., & Costley, J. (2024). The interplay of self-regulated learning, cognitive load, and performance in learner-controlled environments. Education Sciences, 14(8), 860. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci14080860
Hanafiani, L. G., Nasrullah, A., & Hidayat, A. (2023). Peer tutoring with XChart utilization: Enhancing students’ problem-solving skills and self-directed learning. Indonesian Journal of Teaching and Learning (INTEL), 2(3), 429–444. https://doi.org/10.56855/intel.v2i3.549
Hey, R., McDaniel, M., & Hodis, F. A. (2024). How undergraduate students learn: uncovering interrelationships between factors that support self-regulated learning and strategy use. Metacognition and Learning, 19(3), 743–772. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11409-024-09389-8
Huang, F. (2018). What are the challenges facing the Asian academic profession? (Centre for Global Higher Education Working Paper No. 32). https://www.researchcghe.org/wp-content/uploads/migrate/publications/wp32.pdf
Jantassova, D., Churchill, D., Tentekbayeva, Z., & Aitbayeva, S. (2024). STEM language literacy learning in engineering education in Kazakhstan. Education Sciences, 14(12), 1352. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci14121352
Javed, M. (2019). What are the problems for students in writing the first research paper in a second language? International Journal Online of Humanities, 5(5), 42-57. DOI: https://doi.org.10.24113/ijohmn.v5i5.139
Javid, C. & Umer, M. (2014). Saudi EFL learners’ writing problems: A move towards solution. Proceeding of the Global Summit on Education GSE, 4-5. https://www.scirp.org/reference/ReferencesPapers?ReferenceID=1731991
Johnson, J. L., Adkins, D., & Chauvin, S. (2020). A review of the quality indicators of rigor in qualitative research. American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education, 84(1):7120, January. https:/doi.org/10.5688/ajpe7120
Kang, E., & Hwang, H.-J. (2023). The importance of anonymity and confidentiality for conducting survey research. Journal of Research and Publication Ethics, 4(1), 1-7. https://doi.org/10.15722/jrpe.4.1.202303.1
Kanmodi, K. K., Salami, A. A., & Amzat, J. (2024). Multidimensional challenges of internationalization among universities in Southeast Asia: A scoping review of empirical evidence. Future in Educational Research, 2(3), 244-265. https://doi.org/10.1002/fer3.45
Khan, M. A. (2023). A critical study of the importance of academic research in higher education in reference to India. IRJEMS International Research Journal of Economics and Management Studies, 2(1), 54–59. https://doi.org/10.56472/25835238/IRJEMS-V2I1P108
Li, Y., Sadiq, G., Qambar, G., & Zheng, P. (2024). The impact of students’ use of ChatGPT on their research skills: The mediating effects of autonomous motivation, engagement, and self-directed learning. Education and Information Technologies, 30(4), 4185–4216. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-024-12981-9
Li, Y., Sadiq, G., Qambar, G., & Zheng, P. (2024). The impact of students’ use of ChatGPT on their research skills: The mediating effects of autonomous motivation, engagement, and self-directed learning. Education and Information Technologies, 30(4), 4185–4216. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-024-12981-9
Malanchini, M., Allegrini, A. G., Nivard, M. G., Biroli, P., Rimfeld, K., Cheesman, R., von Stumm, S., Demange, P. A., van Bergen, E., Grotzinger, A. D., Raffington, L., De la Fuente, J., Pingault, J.-B., Tucker-Drob, E. M., Harden, K. P., & Plomin, R. (2024). Genetic associations between non-cognitive skills and academic achievement over development. Nature Human Behavior, 8(10), 2034–2046. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41562-024-01967-9
Malay, H. A., Çepni, S., & Aydemir, U. (2024). Promoting 21st century emerging technologies in science education in light of photonics education framework. Science & Education, 34(4), 2553–2587. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11191-024-00570-8
Manchishi, C. P., Ndhlovu, D., & Mwanza, S. D. (2015). Common mistakes committed and challenges faced in research proposal writing by University of Zambia postgraduate students. International Journal of Humanities Social Sciences and Education, 2(3), 126-138. https://dspace.unza.zm/handle/123456789/8312
Mapolisa, T., & Mafa, O. (2012). Challenges being experienced by undergraduate students in conducting research in open and distance learning. International Journal of Asian Social Science, 2(10), 1672–1684. https://archive.aessweb.com/index.php/5007/article/view/2340
Meerah, T. S. M., & Arsad, N. M. (2010). Developing research skills at secondary school. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 9, 512–516. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2010.12.189
Mobaraka, J., Elkazzaz, L., & Rizkalla, N. (2022). Challenges of researchers in conducting international study during the eruption of COVID-19: Student and mentor perspectives. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(2), 844. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19020844
Mustafa, F., Devira, M., Apriadi, H., & Hajan, B. H. (2022). Experiencing problems in data collection by undergraduate EFL students as novice researchers. Journal on English as a Foreign Language, 12(2), 383-404. https://doi.org/10.23971/jefl.v12i2.4111
Ngoc, T. T. M. & Ngoc, T. B. (2021). Challenges faced by English majors when writing research papers. American Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences Research, 5(12), 162-166. https://www.ajhssr.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/T21512162166.pdf
Özcan, Ş., & Zengin, Y. (2024). Teachers’ use of rational questioning to support students’ collective argumentation through 5E-based flipped classroom approach using GeoGebra. Science & Education, 34(5), 3479–3506. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11191-024-00573-5
Pecson, R. R. (2017, August 17). Research for students: Revisiting the importance of academic writing. https://ryanramoletepecson.blogspot.com/2017/08/research-for-students-revisiting.html
Pecson, R. R., & Sarmiento, J. R. (2024). Integrating 21st-century skills into instructional materials for sustainable education. Indonesian Journal of Instructional Media and Model, 6(2), 89–99. https://doi.org/10.32585/ijimm.v6i2.5934
Pecson, R. R., & Sarmiento, J. R. (2025). Student teaching and instructional materials in the 21st-century classroom: A literature review. Indonesian Journal of Teaching in Science, 5(1), 55–60. https://doi.org/10.17509/ijotis.v5i1.82628
Pecson, R., Quintos Jr, R., Olubia, L., Santos, L., Forbes, J., Lugtu, N., & Santos, P. J. (2025). Navigating research formatting dilemmas among college students: Extent of formal instruction and access to resources toward ramified research guidelines. Indonesian Journal of Teaching and Learning (INTEL), 4(3), 178–196. https://doi.org/10.56855/intel.v4i3.1666
Petrella, J. K., & Jung, A. P. (2008). Undergraduate research: Importance, benefits, and challenges. International Journal of Exercise Science, 1(3), 91–95. https://doi.org/10.70252/MXRI7483
Polas, M. R. H. (2024). Publish or perish! Challenges and strategies in publishing research papers in top-tier academic journals. Journal of Business & Management, 2(1), 11–22. https://doi.org/10.47747/jbm.v2i1.1593
Purna Singh, A., Vadakedath, S., & Kandi, V. (January 04, 2023). Clinical research: A review of study designs, hypotheses, errors, sampling types, ethics, and informed consent. Cureus 15(1): e33374. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.33374
Qasem, F. A. A. & Zayid, E. I. M. (2019). The challenges and problems faced by students in the early stage of writing research projects in U2, university of Bisha, Saudi Arabia. European Journal of Special Education Research, 4(1), 32-47. https://doi.org.10.5281/zenodo.2557036
Ramos-Eclevia, M., Janio, R. V., Vinzon, M. R., Eclevia, C. L., & Apolinario, R. R. U. (2018). Researching together: Exploring research productivity and collaboration of librarians in ASEAN countries. Journal of the Australian Library and Information Association, 67(3), 307–320. https://doi.org/10.1080/24750158.2018.1501868
Rezeki, Y. S. (2018). Analysis of EFL students’ citation practices and problems in academic writing. International Journal of Educational Best Practices, 2(1), 62-72. https://doi.org/10.31258/ijebp.2.1.62-72
Sajitha, P., Andrushia, A. D., Anand, N., & Naser, M. Z. (2024). A review on machine learning and deep learning image-based plant disease classification for industrial farming systems. Journal of Industrial Information Integration, 38, 100572. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jii.2024.100572
Salinas-Navarro, D. E., Palma-Mendoza, J. A., & Vilalta-Perdomo, E. (2024). Integrating circular supply chains into experiential learning: Enhancing learning experiences in higher education. Sustainability, 16(23), 10789. https://doi.org/10.3390/su162310789
Setiani, R., Susanti, E., & Darwanto. (2023). The literary appreciation of drama applies seven reader response strategies to encourage students’ literacy ability through lesson study. Indonesian Journal of Teaching and Learning (INTEL), 2(1), 153–163. https://doi.org/10.56855/intel.v2i1.55
Sitompul, S. K., & Anditasari, A. W. (2022). Challenges in writing academic research: An exploration of master’s students’ experiences. Getsempena English Education Journal, 9(2), 136-148. https://doi.org/10.46244/geej.v9i2.1805
Sitompul, S. K., & Anditasari, A. W. W. (2022). Challenges in writing academic research: An exploration of master's students' experiences. Getsempena English Education Journal, 9(2), 136-148. https://doi.org/10.46244/geej.v9i2.1805
Snyder, H. (2019). Literature review as a research methodology: An overview and guidelines. Journal of Business Research, 104, 333–339. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2019.07.039
Songkaeo, T., & Yeong, L. H. (2016). Defining higher education issues and challenges in Southeast Asia/ASEAN within the international context. The HEAD Foundation. https://headfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/thf-papers_Defining-higher-education-issues-and-challenges-in-Southeast-Asia-ASEAN-within-the-international-context.pdf
Suripah, S., & Muslim, R. H. (2025). Enhancing students’ technological literacy skills through the Wingeom application in learning curved surface geometry: A quantitative analysis. Indonesian Journal of Teaching and Learning (INTEL), 4(1), 30–45. https://doi.org/10.56855/intel.v4i1.1242
Thomas, L. (2023, December 18). Simple random sampling | Definition, steps & examples. Scribbr. https://www.scribbr.com/methodology/simple-random-sampling/#:~:text=Simple%20random%20sampling%20is%20a,possible%20of%20this%20random%20subset.
Tran, T. V., Nguyen, A. N., Truong-Thi, T. T., Du, L. K., & Tran-Thien, G. P. (2023). Positive and negative attitudes towards research of undergraduate students: A cross-sectional study. International Journal of Education and Practice, 11(2), 141–149. https://doi.org/10.18488/61.v11i2.3283
Waluyo, B., & Rofiah, N. L. (2021). Developing students’ English oral presentation skills: Do self-confidence, teacher feedback, and English proficiency matter? MEXTESOL Journal, 45(3), 1-17. https://doi.org/10.61871/mj.v45n3-14
Wang, X., Zhao, S., Yang, H., Miao, M., An, S., & Yao, W. (2024). Research on core competency elements of clinical investigators. Therapeutic Innovation & Regulatory Science, 59(1), 45–53. https://doi.org/10.1007/s43441-024-00688-5
Willison, J., & O’Regan, K. (2006, 2012). Research Skill Development (RSD) framework. University of Adelaide. https://www.adelaide.edu.au/melt/ua/media/51/rsd-framework.pdf
Xie, Y., Breen, L., Oakey, A., Bak, O., & Cherrett, T. (2025). Assessment of primary care services operational resilience by patients: Implications for COVID-19 recovery. European Management Journal, 43(6), 991–1005. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.emj.2024.10.008
Yang, F., Farooq, K., Jin, S., Hwang, H., & Stefaniak, J. (2024). An exploration of instructional designers’ prioritization of competencies. TechTrends, 68(6), 983–998. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11528-024-00994-7
Yousef, W. (2024). Shaping career development through college readiness at the high school level. Education Sciences, 14(11), 1190. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci14111190