Assessment of Scientific Competence of Young Researchers in Medical Specialties: Preliminary Results

Abstract

The purpose of research: studying the level of research competencies of applicants for admission to PhD doctoral studies. Research based on a survey among graduates of postgraduate education programs (residency and master's programs) who plan to subsequently enter doctoral studies in medical specialties. The authors studied the influence of various social, gender factors, affiliated medical organization and other factors on the level of research competencies of future doctoral students.
Methods. Authors adapted and translated into Russian and Kazakh the questionnaire “Research competence of postgraduate students” from the University of Nebraska, USA. The questionnaire consists of 31 questions divided into three domains - “knowledge”, “skills” and “attitudes”. The questionnaire was developed on the Google Form platform and distributed through the dean's offices and research schools of all medical universities in the Republic of Kazakhstan. To ensure the reliability of the results obtained, multivariate regression analysis was used.
Results. A total of 73 young scientists applying for admission to doctoral studies were surveyed. The data obtained demonstrated that the strongest research competencies possessed by respondents include the ability to explain the relevance/importance of their research (x̅=2.93; standard deviation=0.751), formulating the purpose of the study (x̅=2.81; standard deviation=0.793 ). The weakest research competencies include knowledge of applying relevant theories to one's research (x̅=2.37; st. deviation=0.825), identifying research subjects (x̅=2.42; st. deviation=0.780), choosing the right methodology (x̅= 2.42; standard deviation = 0.815).
Conclusion. The findings indicate the need for additional training in theoretical knowledge, methodology and data analysis, despite the overall average level of competence of the participants. This can help improve research quality and confidence in research work at PhD level.