GENDER DIFFERENCE AND RESEARCH SKILLS DEVELOPED BY NIGERIAN UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

Abstract

Research skills are required and vital tools needed to complete undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in Nigerian universities. Skills they need to succeed in today's knowledge-based world. This study investigated gender difference in research skills developed by university students. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. Two hypotheses were tested at. 05 level of significance. A sample of 100 students was drawn from university students at Nigerian universities. Data was collected using the Questionnaire on University Students’ Research Skills (QUSRS), with a reliability coefficient of 0.79. The data collected were analysed using frequency count, percentage, Pearson Moment Correlation, and an independent t-test. The finding shows no significant difference between male students (= 65.00, SD = 11.08) and female students (= 55.48, SD = 9.71) in terms of research skills with a t-test (t = 3.441, df = 98). The study also found a significant difference (t = 5.024, df = 79) existing between postgraduate students (=68.71, SD = 8.84) and undergraduate students (=65.84, SD = 10.29), as postgraduate students performed better. Based on the findings, it was recommended that gender should not be used as a criterion for determining research capabilities in academic settings and that more attention should be given to developing research skills for undergraduate students. The study also recommended that a more equitable and inclusive learning environment that supports the development of research skills among all students, regardless of gender or academic level, be promoted.