Factors which contribute to the attitudes towards research in final year optometry students at the University of the Free State

[摘要] English: This study was carried out in order to determine the factors which contribute to theattitudes towards research in the final year optometry students at the University of FreeState. Research attitude at an undergraduate level can influence the likelihood of furtherpostgraduate study, and continued life-long learning in a professional capacity. Theimportance of the research at undergraduate level is noted by the skills which develop:time management, team work, critical thinking and many more. These skills are sought inthe workplace and provide for adaptable individuals able to take independent decisionsand enhance patient care through rich information gathering. Research is important tothe profession of Optometry within the framework of finding African solutions to Africanproblems and sustainability in an ever-increasing diversified patient base.An extensive literature control was undertaken during the length of the study to informthe researcher of aspects of the theory of attitude and the impact an undergraduateresearch project has to students' development of an attitude to research. The mandatesof the educational framework of government and the University were examined.The method of investigation was the nominal group technique (NGT). The NGT wascompleted with the informed consent of 22 participants, over a period of seven weeks, inthree sessions at a neutral venue. An expert facilitator managed the sessions, and theresearcher was present as an observer. Unplanned open discussions occurred after thesessions, which enriched the data collection process.Each statement was taken as an individual code, and the qualitative groupings of codescompiled into themes. Under iterative analysis the themes were then allocated acategory. Twelve categories were compiled from the data, with both positive andnegative aspects, and categories which carried also mixed (positive and negative)experiences. This reflected the integrative nature of the experiences relating to researchthat the students identified with; and the importance of interpersonal interaction. Thefindings highlighted facets which are within the scope of power of the Department ofOptometry (DoO) to improve upon. Also, experiences from which students gain satisfaction the DoO can cultivate and formalise in policies relating to the undergraduate research project.Recommendations of the study relate prominently to administrative factors and the futureimplementation of defined communication channels, guidelines for ethical approval andimproved module guides. Not all negative experiences could realistically be eliminateddue to the nature of external factors and University guidelines that are currently in place.The findings can lead supervisors to identify shortcomings within their approach tostudents' research projects and allow for personal development in this area for eachlecturer.The study originated from the limited research experience in undergraduate andpostgraduate publications in the DoO and a gap in the knowledge of this topic in theoptometric health profession within South Africa. The knowledge gained by the studyprovides a platform for the growth of the undergraduate research module and animproved output rate of student research publications.The sound research methodology ensured the trustworthiness of the data and findings.Recordings of the original scripts are available to interested readers. This study can serveas the basis for further research undertakings in this field.

[发布机构] University of the Free State