The Influence of Postgraduate Students’ Personal Characteristics on Their Research Output in Public Universities in Kenya

Abstract

Research is a core function of universities and as such modern universities are expected to be generators of new knowledge through research. The problem of low research output in universities has been a subject of public debate and academic discourse in the recent years. Postgraduate’s contribution in research is critical since they form the greatest constituency of research students in universities. Based on a study conducted in Kenya’s Moi University, specifically in the Faculty of Education, this paper examines the influence of postgraduate students’ personal characteristics on their research output. The study employed a descriptive survey design and used stratified random sampling and purposive sampling to select participants. It involved all 4 departments within the School of Education. A total of 285 postgraduates were selected out of an accessible population of 1148. Eight (8) postgraduate alumni and three (3) HODs were also included in the study. Data was collected using questionnaires, interview schedules and document analysis. Data was analysed qualitatively and quantitatively. The personal attributes that accounted for the low research output were mainly the poor attitude and lack of interest in research by postgraduates. It was also observed that low research skills experience and training too significantly lowered research output. The research recommends that the university reviews its research policies to adequately respond to postgraduate’s research needs and to seriously interrogate postgraduate students’ research output and their contribution to knowledge creation.

Keywords: Postgraduate Students, Personal Characteristics, Research Output, Public Universities, Kenya