ASSESSING SCHOLARSHIP: AN ANALYSIS OF RESEARCH APPRECIATION BY GHANAIAN ACADEMIC RESEARCHERS

Abstract

The study sought to analyze academic research appreciation by research faculty of Ghanaian universities and colleges of education. The study is underpinned by the social exchange theory and used a quantitative approach, where an electronic questionnaire based on items and scales identified in literature was shared on social media platforms of academic faculties of Ghanaian universities and colleges of education. A total sample of 1175 was considered. The data generated from respondents’ submission of the electronic questionnaire was analyzed with SPSS using descriptive and inferential statistics, where means with standard deviations and independent samples t-tests with eta statistics were the units of analysis. The study revealed statistically significant differences in (1) access to research, (2) utilization of research, and (3) practice of and engagement in research between faculty of universities and colleges of education. The study found no significant difference in what respondents perceived of the worth of research between the two classes of faculty. The study identified that Ghanaian academic researchers have limited access to research, and moderately use existing research per their limited access. The study found that respondents consider themselves as having more to achieve in research as they identified as having moderate experience. In terms of perception of the worth of research, the study revealed that academic researchers see research as a very important dimension of their career for its relevance to their instruction. The study recommends that efforts should be made to bridge the difference in scholarship between universities and colleges of education. Again, research training and collaborations should be prioritized in higher education. Lastly, institutions of higher learning should ensure easy access to research.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0735/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>