Perception of competencies for writing scientific articles in social and human sciences researchers

Abstract

Considering that scientific writing presents complex challenges, we sought to determine the level of perception that social and human science researchers have about their competencies to write scientific articles, through a cross-sectional descriptive study in which 129 researchers of both sexes with various years of research experience participated. They self-assessed their writing using the Scale for Evaluating Scientific Articles in Social and Human Sciences by López-López, Tobón and Hernández-Juárez (2019), and an overall result of high level in writing competence was obtained, with a significant effect size; scoring highest in the Results and Reference List sections; while the lowest were in Style and Format and Appendices. When comparing writing competence with the variables gender, research experience or the number of books and articles published, no significant differences were found, despite the fact that in this study males presented a greater number of publications. However, the Methodology section, evaluated with the scale, research experience, as well as belonging to the male gender, were the predictor variables for the publication of articles. Finally, it is recommended that more support be given to female researchers and that more methodological training be provided to new researchers in the interest of promoting educational equity.