Research Knowledge, Skills, Attitudes, and Challenges Encountered by Senior High School Student Researchers

Abstract

This study investigated the research knowledge, skills, attitudes, and challenges encountered by Senior High School (SHS) students in Catanduanes. An explanatory sequential mixed method research design was adopted in this study. The researchers used researcher-made achievement test, survey questionnaires and interview guides to collect data in this study. Achievement test and survey questionnaire were administered first, before the conduct of interview with selected participants. Results of analysis revealed complex and contradictory findings. Students generally reported high levels of research skills (Method and Data Analysis, M=3.58; Writing and Reporting Research Results, M=3.52; and Problem Conceptualization, M=3.62) and positive attitudes towards research (Research Usefulness, M=3.65; Research Anxiety, M=3.52; Positive Disposition, M=3.45; Relevance, M=3.26; and Difficulty, M=3.21). Contrary to the reported high levels of research skills and attitudes, their demonstrated knowledge of research fundamentals was minimal (MPS=39.50%), significantly lower than average or moderate levels reported in other studies. These disconnects between perceived ability and actual knowledge suggest a potential overestimation of research competence, possibly due to a lack of deep understanding of the research process.  Further inconsistencies emerged regarding the challenges students face. Despite reporting strong skills in research methods and data analysis, thematic analysis revealed significant difficulties in these very areas, specifically in data collection and analysis, resource constraints, time management, finding and using information, and group dynamics. These multifaceted challenges underscore the need for a more comprehensive approach to research education.