PSYCHOLOGICAL VARIABLES AND RESEARCH PROFICIENCY AMONG LECTURERS IN TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS IN CROSS RIVESTATE, NIGERIA

 Dr. Adie, Rose Unwanung

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ORCID ID: https:/orcid.org/0009-0000-0530-6488

Educational Psychology

University of Calabar

 Dr. Anele, Ezebunwo

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ORCID ID: https:/orcid.org/0009-0005-0416-3709

Educational Psychology

University of Calabar

 Ubi, Gina Iwara

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Library and Information Science

University of Calabar

 Amos, Kate Jonah

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Guidance and Counselling

University of Calabar

 Abstract

The study examined psychological variables and research proficiency among lecturers in tertiary institutions in Cross River State, Nigeria. Specifically, it investigated the relationships between research self-efficacy, research anxiety, and lecturers’ research proficiency. A correlational research design was adopted because the study sought to determine the nature and strength of relationships among the variables without manipulation. The population comprised 4,392 lecturers, from which a sample of 367 respondents was determined using the Taro Yamane formula. Stratified and simple random sampling techniques were employed to ensure adequate representation of the respondents. Data were collected using a researcher-developed questionnaire titled “Psychological Variables and Research Proficiency among Lecturers Questionnaire” (PVRPLQ), structured on a four-point Likert scale. The instrument was subjected to face and content validation by experts in Educational Psychology, Research and Statistics, and Measurement and Evaluation. Its reliability was established using the Cronbach alpha method. The hypotheses were tested using simple linear regression at the 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that research self-efficacy had a significant positive relationship with research proficiency and accounted for 22.7% of its variance. Research anxiety, however, had a significant negative relationship with research proficiency and accounted for 29.1% of the variance. The study concluded that lecturers’ levels of research self-efficacy and research anxiety significantly influence their research proficiency. It recommended regular research training, mentoring programmes, institutional support, and supportive research environments to strengthen lecturers’ confidence, reduce research-related anxiety, and improve research proficiency.

Keywords: Lecturers; Psychological Variables; Research Anxiety; Research Proficiency; Research Self-Efficacy. DOWNLOAD PDF