Educational research productivity road map: Conclusions from the identified research barriers and variables

Abstract

Research has been a buzz word in Philippine education, especially in HEI’s. This study was conducted to determine the barriers that undermined the research activities of the post-graduate students. A total number of 136 students were selected as respondents. The instruments used in this study consisted of a set of questionnaires containing 36 question items in perceived research barriers using 5 point likert scales and checklists for demographic profiles. The reliability value (Cronbach’s alpha) instrument for all variables obtained an alpha value exceeding 0.60. The results of the study were analyzed using descriptive statistics that derived means, standard deviations and correlation coefficient. Findings reveal that respondents have poor performance in research and publication. This could be attributed to the following aspects; the respondents were not fully equipped with skills on how to do research, lack of time in doing research due to heavy teaching workload, and limited financial resources. Lack of peer support and research experts contributes to the overall research barriers. The results reflect critical attention from the university. Thus, training, workshops and mentoring should be considered a priority for promoting and elevating the research productivity of the respondents. Meanwhile, financial supports from the university could also help overcome the barriers such as lack of incentives and article processing charge.

Keywords: Research productivity, research barriers, skills development, financial supports