Self-Assessment of Research Skills among Undergraduate Students: A Kinesiology Field Perspective

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to assess students’ self-perceptions of their research abilities and develop strategies to improve research skills among undergraduate students. The instrument was administered to students in a Kinesiology department at a university in Midwest U.S.A. Fifteen questions were included in the self-administered questionnaire, which includes research habits, past research experiences, and self-perceptions on research skills and demographics. Data based on a total of 315 respondents showed that most students reported higher levels of self-perceived research skills such as information literacy skills, ethical principles, and communication skills. However, students reported lower levels of confidence in research design and statistical skills. The results of this study illustrate the importance of developing research skills among students. Key strategies include coaching, mentoring, and providing more research opportunities.

KEYWORDS:

• Kinesiology
• undergraduate students
• research skills

Acknowledgments

We acknowledge the support of RStat Institute and Office of Assessment of Missouri State University

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Supplementary material

Supplemental data for this article can be accessed online at https://doi.org/10.1080/24711616.2022.2141157

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Missouri State University, Office of Assessment.