A Study on Research Motivation Among Undergraduate Engineering Students: A Case Study
Social sciences education ejournal CMBO
23 Pages Posted: 1 Mar 2014 Last revised: 1 Nov 2021
Date Written: February 28, 2014
Abstract
Research is a long-term investment, which will bring visibility and revenues for the country in the long run. In the context of product and service based organizations, research helps to know what products and services are actually needed by the customers, which is a cheaper option of manufacturing products, etc. It helps organizations to decide on the right price for the products and services as industry standard. Due to lack of research, Indian products fail to bridge the gap between the product or services and the faith of the customers. Research can be done by anyone, but academic institutions provide the necessary ambiance with the guidance of faculty, infrastructure and other resources needed for it.
This research was conducted to identify motivation among under graduate students to pursue research at Regional Institute of Technology. The study focus was to find out if there were significant statistical differences on motivation factors. Mixed research approaches such as exploratory and descriptive were adopted. Non-probability sampling with convenience sampling method was used. Sample size comprised of three hundred and forty six subjects. The questionnaire was used in the survey for measuring motivation and was self-administered .Data collected was analyzed by using the statistical tests such as weighted arithmetic mean, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and Chi-square analysis. The results indicated that motivation scores were higher among students. Interestingly, no significant differences were found on motivation attributed to gender level. Proper guidance from faculty and institution’s infrastructure motivates students to pursue research at under graduate level. In conclusion, investment in research helps students to develop critical thinking ability and problem solving attitudes. The paper concludes with few recommendations and suggestions for future studies.
Keywords: Research, research motivation, research benefits
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