Factors Contributing to Research-Related Anxiety among University Students: A Case of the University of Iringa, Tanzania

Author

Leah Thomaso Mungwira

Abstract

 This study examined the factors contributing to research-related anxiety among university students at the University of Iringa, Tanzania. A mixed-methods approach using a convergent parallel research design was employed. The study involved 150 final-year students, comprising 90 undergraduate and 60 postgraduate students, together with 15 key informants drawn from research supervisors, research methods lecturers and university counsellors. Quantitative data were collected through structured questionnaires and analysed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data were obtained through focus group discussions and key informant interviews and analysed thematically. The findings identified four major factors contributing to research-related anxiety: research skills and academic competence, supervisory and institutional support, time management and workload pressure and resource and financial constraints. Supervisory and institutional support recorded the highest mean scores among both undergraduate (M = 4.15, SD = 0.83) and postgraduate (M = 4.38, SD = 0.70) students, followed by research skills and academic competence, time management and workload pressure and resource and financial constraints. Qualitative findings further indicated that delayed feedback, difficulties applying research methods, competing academic responsibilities, limited research materials, internet access and financial demands contributed to students’ anxiety. The study concludes that research-related anxiety is multidimensional and requires attention to both students’ research competencies and the academic environment in which research is undertaken. Universities should strengthen supervisory support, practical research training, time-management skills and access to research resources. 

Keywords

Research-related anxiety; university students; research skills; supervisory support; workload pressure; research resources; University of Iringa; Tanzania.

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References

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