Undergraduate research (UR) is
increasingly recognised as a vital approach for cultivating inquiry skills,
research literacy, and innovation among tertiary students. This study examined
Ghanaian tertiary students’ experiences, challenges, and perceptions of UR,
focusing on institutional and disciplinary variations, supervisory engagement,
and perceived national relevance. Data were collected from 489 final-year
students across six institutions: Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills
Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED), Agogo Presbyterian Women’s
College of Education (APWCE), Mampong and Agogo Nursing and Midwifery Training
Colleges (NMTC), Monicas College of Education (MONICO), Mampong Technical
College of Education (MAMTECH), and Presbyterian University College (PUC).
Participants represented educational studies, physical sciences, public and
occupational health, nursing, and physician assistantship programmes. A
mixed-methods design combining descriptive statistics, chi-square (χ²),
analysis of variance (ANOVA), and thematic analysis was employed. Results
showed that 71% of students rated their UR experience positively, with
significant institutional differences in experience quality (F(5, 483) = 8.27,
p < .001). Supervisory support strongly predicted satisfaction (χ² = 22.41,
p < .01). Effective supervision and institutional guidance enhanced
students’ academic confidence and career readiness, while inadequate feedback
and resource limitations were key challenges. Students perceived UR as
essential for developing critical thinking and contributing to national
development. The study recommends strengthened mentorship, sustainable research
funding, and early integration of research training into undergraduate
curricula to enhance Ghana’s research and innovation ecosystem.
Author(s)
Details :-
Samuel Baah-Duodu
Faculty of Science Education, Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills
Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED), Ghana.
Please see the book
here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/lleru/v10/6698
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