Research methods anxiety, attitude, self-efficacy and academic effort: A social cognitive theory perspective

Abstract

The integration and mandatory study of research method courses by university students is a global phenomenon. However, students demonstrate apprehension and disinterest in research methods courses. Consequently, this study investigated the interplay among research methods anxiety, positive disposition toward research, perception of usefulness, self-efficacy, and academic effort in research. Paper-and-pencil questionnaires were used to collect data from a convenience sample of 636 technical university students in Ghana. Based on partial least squares structural equation modeling results, research anxiety reduces students’ self-beliefs (β = −0.172; t = 2.729; p = .000) and negatively affects perception of research usefulness (β = −0.172; t = 2.729; p = .000). A positive disposition towards research enhances students’ academic efforts in research (β = 0.919; t = 3.308; p = 0.001). Furthermore, self-efficacy drives students’ efforts (β = −0.172; t = 2.729; p = .000), enhances positive disposition toward research (β = 0.191; t = 3.308; p = .001) and perception of research usefulness among students (β = 0.224; t = 3.064; p = .002). Students’ perception of research usefulness mediates the relationship between anxiety and effort in research (β = −0.075; t = 3.653; p = .000), positive research disposition and effort (β = −0.056; t = 2.519; p = .012) as well as research self-efficacy and effort in studies (β = 0.083; t = 3.02; p = .003).

Keywords:

• Research anxiety
• attitude
• self-efficacy
• usefulness
• efforts
• university students

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability

All data generated or analyzed in relation to this study are available upon request.

Declarations

• Ethical approval: All procedures conducted in executing this study were in lined with institutional, national and international ethical standards involving human participants.

• Informed consent: The consent of all research participants was solicited before their participation in the study.

• Conflict of interest: The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Funding

The authors received no direct funding for this research.