Attitudes of post graduate students towards basic research (Plan A): a case study of 2018 MBA finalists at Makerere University

Abstract

The study aimed at assessing the attitudes of post graduate students towards basic research. A case of MBA finalists at Makerere University (Class of 2018) was considered for this study. The major objectives, were: - To assess the usefulness of research to post graduate students; to assess anxiety towards basic research amongst post graduate students; to assess the extent to which post graduate students perceive basic research as difficult; to assess the disposition of post graduate students towards basic research. This study adopted descriptive survey research design as it enabled collection of data to answer to research questions. The questionnaire was used to collect primary data and had both open and close-ended questions. A total of 64 respondents fully filled the questionnaire. The collected data was edited for completeness and consistency and then coded and entered into SPSS for analysis. Descriptive analysis such as percentage and frequencies, means were used to analyze quantitative data. The study findings revealed that although post graduate students generally recognize the usefulness of research; they also experience anxiety towards basic research and believe that basic research is difficult. They also have a generally negative research disposition attitudes towards basic research. Because postgraduate students recognize the usefulness of research, it offers them excellent opportunities to master their theoretical knowledge, develop potential and area of interest, and enjoy creative problem solving. Postgraduate students believed that basic research was difficult and that is why most students opted for plan B. The study recommends that there is need to promote a research culture at the beginning of the MBA program; familiarizing students with practical lessons on research paper publication processes; Improve student- lecturer relationships to encourage inquiry throughout the research process