Faculty Survey: Importance and Perception of Graduate Research Ability

According to faculty, the most important research abilities for graduate students are choosing and refining a research topic and searching within research databases. You perceive that students are best at using information ethically and especially need help with determining if the library has what they need.

We asked graduate students to indicate their comfort with research and how often they ask for help; see their responses: Off-Campus Graduates | On-Campus Graduates

Overall scores, limited to respondents not answering "N/A":

	Average Score for Importance of Ability (5 = "High Importance")	Average Score for Perception of Ability (5 = "High Ability")
Choosing and refining a research topic	4.81	3.65
Choosing research databases	4.75	3.54
Searching within research databases	4.78	3.42
Using advanced searching features	4.48	3.34
Determining if the library has what students need	3.43	3.17
Evaluating information sources	4.40	3.40
Citing sources correctly	4.47	3.65
Using information ethically	4.74	3.91

We welcome further input. Please email library@up.edu with your comments and suggestions.