The Impact of Additional Research Training on Doctoral Students' Perceived Research Competence

• In Event: Teaching Educational Research Methods: Student Perceptions and Faculty Reflections

Abstract

This study explored the impact of attending supplemental research-related training on doctoral students’ research competence in various fields of knowledge. Participants (N = 456) completed the Perceived Research Competence (PR-Comp), a five factor, 36-item questionnaire about individuals’ perceived level of competence in completing various parts of the research process. We also asked students several demographic and programmatic descriptive variables, including whether they had attended any research training other than that offered through their doctoral programs of study. Evidence supporting validity and reliability of the PR-Comp, a newer instrument for measuring students’ perceived level of research competence, were examined before proceeding with subsequent analyses. A multi-group analysis revealed that students who had attended additional training reported lower levels of research competence.

Authors

• Carla Quesada-Pallares, Universidad Autonoma De Barcelona
  Presenting Author

• Sarah Anne Marrs, Virginia Commonwealth University
  Non-Presenting Author

• Elizabeth Severson-Irby, Virginia Commonwealth University
  Non-Presenting Author

• Korinthia D. Nicolai, Virginia Commonwealth University
  Non-Presenting Author

• J. REINALDO MARTINEZ-FERNANDEZ, Autonomous University of Barcelona
  Non-Presenting Author