The Relationship between Attitude toward Research and Research Self-efficacy in MSc Students of Medical Sciences

Abstract

Introduction: Positive attitude towards research can increase the students’ interest in research. Research self-efficacy is an effective factor on attitude towards research. It seems that higher research self-efficacy can influence students’ interest in research. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the relationship between attitude to research and research self-efficacy in MSc students of medical sciences.

Methods: In this descriptive study, 176 graduate students in medical sciences were selected through stratified random sampling. The data collection tool was the questionnaires of attitude toward research and research self-efficacy. Data analysis was conducted using parametric statistical tests by SPSS version 15. 

Results: Most samples were female (80.1%) and studied nursing (10.8%), while a minority of them was studying parasitology and physiology (1.1%). A significant statistical correlation was observed between the mean scores of attitude towards research and research self-efficacy of students. Moreover, a significant correlation was found between the mean scores of attitude towards research and the students' age and gender.

Conclusions: Based on the results, existence of a positive relationship between attitude and research self-efficacy suggests that creation of a positive attitude towards research creates higher research self-efficacy beliefs in students and provides a basis for more student research.