Student Perceptions of Research in an Occupational Therapy Doctoral Program: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Abstract

Student perceptions of research in graduate programs play a role within the Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) curriculum and how future clinicians value Evidence Based Practice and research. The Student Perception of Research Integration Questionnaire (SPRIQ) was utilized to examine students' perceptions of research in their graduate coursework. Participants included in this study were all students enrolled in an occupational therapy doctorate program. All items were scored on a 5-point Likert scale. Mean scores were calculated for each item on the respondents' submissions. The items were further categorized into subscales. The mean score of all items of the SPRIQ was 4.44 out of 5. Findings included the highest mean score value of 4.67 in the subcategory of reflection and lowest mean score of 4.25 in the subcategory of beliefs. Based on the results of the survey, it is suggested that OTD students believe research plays an integral role in their learning. Faculty mentors are critical players in students' learning throughout the research process, which the majority felt was a crucial part in their overall learning experience. ABSTRACTStudent perceptions of research in graduate programs play a role within the Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) curriculum and how future clinicians value Evidence Based Practice and research. The Student Perception of Research Integration Questionnaire (SPRIQ) was utilized to examine students' perceptions of research in their graduate coursework. Participants included in this study were all students enrolled in an occupational therapy doctorate program. All items were scored on a 5-point Likert scale. Mean scores were calculated for each item on the respondents' submissions. The items were further categorized into subscales. The mean score of all items of the SPRIQ was 4.44 out of 5. Findings included the highest mean score value of 4.67 in the subcategory of reflection and lowest mean score of 4.25 in the subcategory of beliefs. Based on the results of the survey, it is suggested that OTD students believe research plays an integral role in their learning. Faculty mentors are critical players in students' learning throughout the research process, which the majority felt was a crucial part in their overall learning experience.