Predictive Factors of Attitudes Towards Scientific Research in University Teachers in Peru

Abstract

Scientific research is essential for university teachers and the university in general, since its main objective is to generate and disseminate knowledge. The objective of this study was to examine the factors that influence the attitudes of university lecturers in Peru towards scientific research. The study employed a quantitative methodology, focusing on an explanatory-predictive framework. A 28-item questionnaire related to university teachers' attitudes towards research was applied, with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.9 reliability. The sample included the participation of 405 university teachers from different regions of Peru with 1 to 30 years of professional experience. Non-parametric analysis of variance (ANOVA) statistical techniques were applied for data processing. The results showed that the factors analysed (sex, years of experience, and region of origin) predicted the behavioural and cognitive dimensions but not the affective dimension. Teachers from the northern part of the country and Lima have prevalence in the behavioural and cognitive dimensions, and most teachers have a high level in the behavioural and cognitive dimensions but a low level in the affective dimension. The results are consistent with previous studies showing that attitudes towards research are influenced by factors such as age, research subject, participation in research activities, and social capital. © 2024 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.