Conducting original research is a standard component in the latter stages of most degree programs worldwide, but the matter of who chooses the research question varies across educational cultures. Some allow students to decide the research area for themselves while others require students to investigate a question set by the supervisor. This paper examines the pros and cons of both approaches and conducts a study among freshman and sophomores (N=54) at a private Japanese university to examine their preferences. The quantitative and qualitative data are discussed with reference to Deci & Ryanʼs (1980) Self-Determination Theory. It was found that 85% of the sample (n=35) prefer to be allowed to choose their research question for themselves, citing various reasons relating to motivation, academic performance and emotional health.
雑誌名
CHUGOKUGAKUEN Journal
巻
18
ページ
21 - 27
発行年
2019
出版者
中国学園大学/中国短期大学
出版者（英）
Chugokugakuen University / Chugoku Junior College
ISSN
1348-1452
書誌レコードID
AA11806612
権利
中国学園大学/中国短期大学
情報源
Deci, E. L. & Ryan, R. M. (1980). Self-determination theory: When mind mediates behavior. The Journal of Mind and Behavior, 1(1), pp. 33-43.
Excel (Version 2007) [Computer software]. Microsoft.
Saldana, J. (2013). The coding manual for qualitative researchers (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications Ltd.
Degrees of Freedom: Students’ Preferences in Choosing Their Graduation Research Theme
18_021_27
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