Graduate Students’ Knowledge and Process Skills in Learning Research

Abstract

Research competence is an essential component of graduate education, as it enables students to engage in scholarly inquiry, contribute to knowledge development, and address real-world problems effectively. Despite its importance, many graduate students encounter challenges in understanding and applying research concepts and processes. This study examined the research knowledge and research process skills of graduate students in learning research at Northeastern College. Specifically, it determined the level of research knowledge in terms of research concepts, research design, data collection methods, and data analysis, as well as the level of research process skills in terms of problem identification, literature review, data gathering, data analysis and interpretation, and report writing. A descriptive-correlational research design was employed, and data were collected using a structured questionnaire administered to graduate students enrolled in research-related courses. The data were analyzed using mean, standard deviation, Pearson’s product-moment correlation coefficient, t-test, and analysis of variance (ANOVA). The findings revealed that graduate students demonstrated a high level of research knowledge, while their research process skills were found to be evident. A significant moderate positive relationship was identified between research knowledge and research process skills, indicating that increased knowledge contributes to improved research performance. Significant differences were found when grouped according to academic program, while no significant differences were observed in terms of age, sex, and year level. Additionally, difficulties in learning research were highly evident, particularly in statistical analysis, research design, and data interpretation. Based on the findings, an enhancement program was proposed to strengthen students’ research competence through targeted interventions, including workshops, mentoring, and skill-based training activities.