Comparison of the research competencies of psychology students at the UDELAS campus

Abstract

This study analyzes the differences in research competencies among Psychology students of the Universidad Especializada de las Américas (UDELAS) who participate in research groups and those who do not. A quantitative approach was used, with a comparative-correlational and cross-sectional design. The population consisted of second- and third-year Psychology students at the main campus of UDELAS, and the sample included 68 students: 34 participants in research groups and 34 non-participants. A structured questionnaire of 26 items was used for data collection, designed to evaluate competencies in question formulation, source management, elaboration of the theoretical framework, and methodological design. The results revealed significant differences between the two groups, highlighting that students participating in research groups demonstrated higher levels of competence in all the dimensions evaluated. These findings suggest that the research group program contributes substantially to research training, supporting the need to strengthen and expand these spaces within the Psychology program curriculum at UDELAS.