Measuring Graduate Students Research Skills

Abstract

This paper reports the research knowledge and skills of a random sample of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia postgraduate students. For the purpose of this study a questionnaire was developed and validated. It is shown to have a moderately high reliability coefficient in the construct measured. A random selection of degree and graduate students graduating at the end of 2010/2011 was asked to fill a questionnaire to measure the outcomes in research knowledge and skills. The administration of the instrument took place in the graduation hall when the graduates were picking up their academic gowns. The results indicate that the graduates in general have moderate knowledge and competencies to conduct research. The implication of the study is that further enhancement of the research training is needed in order to produce very knowledgeable and skillful researcher in the student's field of specialization.