Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 1 Department of Medical Library and Information Science, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan,

2 Department of Library and Information Science, School of Media, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran

3 Department of Medical Library and Information Science, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan

Abstract

Introduction: Research self‑efficacy if the people’s judgment of their abilities in order to
organize and conduct meaningful research in different formats. The aim of this study is to
determinate the rate of research self‑efficacy among students of Isfahan University of Medical
Sciences based on Research Self‑efficacy Scale. Materials and Methods: The method of this
study is an applied survey method. Statistical population is all students of Isfahan University of
Medical Sciences and the sample size was calculated to be 361 samples based on Krejcie and
Morgan table. Random sampling method was used with equal number of samples from every
department. Data collection tool is Salehi et al. questionnaire (with 7 dimensions) with Likert
scale (5 grades). Its validity and reliability were confirmed by Psychology and Research Method
experts and Cronbach’s alpha (r = 0.84) respectively. Data gathering method was direct visit to
each department. The data was then analyzed using t‑test and one‑tailed ANOVA using SPSS 16
software. Results: The finding showed that among research self‑efficiency dimensions research
ethics dimension had the highest and quality research dimension had the lowest means.
Furthermore comparing the research self‑efficacy scores with demographic characteristics
suggests that there is no significant difference between total score of research self‑efficacy of
different departments, genders or educational degrees (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Since the score
of most of the research self‑efficacy dimensions were, lower than average, holding periodical
workshops, inclusion of necessary courses in the educational plan, forcing student to perform
research activity such as writing articles in lower educational levels and improvement of research
culture for students with the help of experienced professors are some of practical solutions,
which can lead to increasing the motivation of the students for conducting efficient research.

Keywords

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