Assessing Research Knowledge among Postgraduate Students across Disciplines

Abstract

This study assessed the research knowledge of postgraduate students across various disciplines at Kakatiya University, Telangana State, India, using a descriptive survey method. A total of 120 students were sampled from commerce, science, and humanities & social sciences, employing a stratified simple random sampling technique. A self-constructed Research Knowledge Test (RKT), covering key areas such as research methods, research tools, sampling techniques, and data processing, was utilized in this study. Descriptive statistics and ANOVA analyses were employed to analyze the data. The findings revealed that postgraduate students possessed a moderate level of research knowledge, with significant differences noted across disciplines. These results underscored the necessity for targeted training programs to enhance research competencies, particularly in areas identified as weaknesses. Recommendations for future educational practices were proposed to foster a more understanding of research principles essential for academic success.