Multi-university assessment of Biggs's constructive alignment as an index of nursing research competencies among Saudi students

Abstract

Introduction: Investigations on research competencies of nursing students have been underreported in the literature. Thus, this study investigated the predictors and correlates of Saudi nursing students’ research competencies using Biggs's constructive alignment model. Method: A descriptive, cross-sectional design employed the 24-item Research Competency Scale for Nursing Students (RCS-N) to collect data from 227 nursing students enrolled in three state universities in Saudi Arabia. We used the chi-squared test and logistic regression analysis to analyze the data. Results: The weighted mean scores of RCS-N ranged from 3.19 to 4.01. There was a strong correlation between the marks obtained in the nursing research course and research competency (p = 0.01). Only the marks obtained in Nursing Research course (A+/A) was an important indicator of nursing research competency following logistic regression analysis. Discussion: Marks obtained in Nursing Research course was a significant factor in achieving research competency among nursing students. Further extensive research to assess nursing students’ research competencies is required.