Factors that encourage university students to conduct research projects

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the factors that favor the intent of university students to conduct research projects. A quantitative exploratory-descriptive research was developed and 141 students were surveyed. Based on the variables, some components (factors) were grouped to identify links by applying exploratory and confirmatory analyses. The results showed that what students learn while conducting research projects will have a positive influence on their lives. This was dependent on the amount of work students assign to their projects as a complementary and necessary element to reinforce their academic education. It is concluded that professors must exercise a dynamic and strong active role in advisory committees since students' perceptions about their research projects depend on what students experience in advisory committee meetings.