RESEARCH INTEREST AND RESEARCH SELF-EFFICACY AMONG STUDENTS AT A UNIVERSITY VIETNAM: A CORRELATIONAL STUDY

Abstract

The literature shows that the development of research self-efficacy and research interest contributes to improvements in research productivity and quality; however, there has been a limited number of studies investigating undergraduates’ research self-efficacy and research interest, especially in the Vietnamese context. This study, using a correlational research design, measured the levels of research self-efficacy and research interest among undergraduates at a university in Vietnam. It also examined whether there was a statistically significant relationship between the two variables. A convenience sampling method was used to recruit a sample of 379 students who completed an online questionnaire. Results indicated that the students demonstrated moderate levels of research self-efficacy and research interest and there was no statistically significant correlation between the two variables. The findings from this study may help teachers and educators in Vietnam and similar settings to develop initiatives to enhance students’ research self-efficacy and interest in research, which are critical during the early stages of undergraduate research identity development.