ESSENTIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH ACTIVITIES OF STUDENTS OF HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS

Abstract

Modern specialists of any professional field should be distinguished by professional competence, the ability to update knowledge as well as process a significant amount of information, and creatively solve professional tasks. The specified qualities are formed in the process of professional training in the institutions of higher education, in particular through the participation of students in scientific and research activities. The purpose of the article is to investigate the essential characteristics of scientific research activities of students of higher education institutions. Research methods: analysis of scientific literature, systematization (to clarify key research concepts), generalization (for the purpose of forming author's conclusions). As a result of a comprehensive study of the problem, the essential characteristics of the scientific research activity of students were clarified, by which we understand the practice of obtaining new scientifically based knowledge, aimed at a purposeful change of social reality, which is implemented in a logical sequence through the application of appropriate forms and methods of scientific knowledge. The most important features of the students' scientific research activity have been determined: in its essence, it is an empirical activity; it is purposeful and characterized by the interconnection of certain elements, procedures and methods; is built within the framework of logical and constructive schemes, methods and means of cognition, characteristic of scientific and research activity; performed according to the research algorithm; is based on facts that require empirical verification; the result of research work is new knowledge about objects; is a methodological regulation that sets a logical direction for the selection of methods and means of activity. It is substantiated that scientific research activity is implemented at three levels (reflective-theoretical, experimental-theoretical and research), each of which involves a step-by-step process (problem definition; hypothesis formulation; selection of research methods and tools; implementation of the research plan; evaluation of the obtained results) and application of appropriate research methods. Research tasks at these levels are aimed at the study and scientific analysis of a real practical situation. The structure of students' scientific research activity involves a set of elements: motives, goals, object and subject of research, process and result.