Measuring Faculty Research Competence: How Does Competence and Motivation Predict Faculty Research Success?

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Wednesday 10:50 am Four Seasons Ballroom 1
  In Roundtable Session: Faculty Research Development (Table 4)

Abstract

University faculty produced more publications when they felt competent and motivated to do research. Faculty research competencies (FRC) are measured through self-reported questionnaires that contain biases. The main objectives of this study were to develop an FRC test, examine how FRC predicts success, and determine whether motivation is a mediator. This study followed a cross-sectional survey design and collected data through an online questionnaire containing 82 items from 155 faculty. We found that faculty have a moderate level of research competence that also varied when considering demographic characteristics. Structural equation modeling revealed that FRC predicts intrinsic motivation and intrinsic motivation predicts faculty success positively and significantly. Findings will guide the improvement of faculty research success more reliably.

Authors

• Muhammad Salahuddin, University of North Dakota

• Robert H. Stupnisky, University of North Dakota