Variables associated with the development of research competencies in university students from Southern Peru: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Introduction: the development of research competencies among university students is a crucial aspect of contemporary academic education. These competencies have not only become indispensable for professional advancement but are also essential for societal progress. However, their development is not always uniform, and their acquisition is associated with various variables.Objective: to determine the variables associated with research competencies in university students from Southern Peru.Methods: a quantitative, non-experimental, cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted. The sample consisted of 302 university students selected through probabilistic sampling. Data collection was done using the Research Competencies Questionnaire, which had adequate metric properties.Results: research competencies of 72,8 % of students were moderately developed, 17,5 % were not developed, while 9,6 % were fully developed. Furthermore, upon evaluating dimensions, it was found that organizational, communicational, and collaborative skills were also moderately developed. Additionally, it was determined that research competencies were significantly associated with membership in research groups and the number of weekly hours students dedicated to research activities (p<0,05).Conclusions: membership in a research group and greater dedication of hours were associated with a higher level of development of research competencies. Moreover, overall, it was determined that the majority of students had a moderate level of development of these competencies