Empirical Model for the Culture of Research in Basic Education

Abstract

This study developed an empirical model that will build the culture of research in thebasic education. The study was mainly quantitative involving the collection of primary datafrom 400 basic education teachers intended to determine the dimensions of organizationalcharacteristics and culture of research using principal component analysis of exploratoryfactor analysis (EFA). After this, the impact of the organizational characteristics on theculture of research was identified using the multiple linear regression analysis (MLR).Exploratory factor analysis revealed that there were three dimensions of organizationalcharacteristics which included institutional support and reward system, strategy, andstructure. The culture of research was also revealed to have three dimensions including theallocation of knowledge and skills training and development and resources, maximizationof incentives and personal and professional opportunities, and integration of researchinto the school routine. Given that these dimensions are adopted and well implemented,the culture of research is highly likely to be built. The regression analysis disclosed thatthe three dimensions of the organizational characteristics were significant predictors ofthe culture of research in basic education with their linear combination for a very highvariation in the culture of research.