Research Competency Needs of University Students: Baseline for Research Manual Formulation

Purpose – This study describes and analyzes the research competency needs of college students in a state university in the Philippines. The research intends to inform the formulation of a research manual for higher education institutions. Methodology – The study employed a descriptive, quantitative design using a researcher-developed survey questionnaire (eight domains) that was validated (CVI=1.00) and tested for reliability (α=0.963). One hundred fifty (150) selected student-researchers, acting as leaders and members, participated in the survey process. The said respondents were selected using a simple random sampling technique. Stringent research protocols and ethical considerations were strictly followed. Data from the survey were analysed using descriptive statistics (i.e., mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics, such as the Kruskal-Wallis (H) test for the non-normal data analysed. Findings – The results reveal that the student-researchers have the highest research competency needs. Moreover, there is no variation in their research competency needs (p