Identifying Factors Influencing Elementary Students’ Interest in Research Activities
Keywords:
Student, Research Activity, Interest, Elementary LevelAbstract
This study aimed to identify the main elements influencing elementary school students’ interest in participating in research activities. The present research was conducted using a qualitative approach and a descriptive phenomenological method. Participants included second-cycle elementary school students in District 2 of Zahedan who had excelled in research activities, as well as their parents and teachers who had been recognized for their outstanding participation in research-oriented practices such as lesson study and action research. Data were collected during the 2022–2023 academic year through semi-structured interviews to explore the participants’ lived experiences. Data analysis was carried out using Colaizzi’s method, and the researcher conducted a preliminary interview with the academic advisor to ensure the validity of the interview process. To validate the findings, the extracted data from the interviews were shared with participants, and their confirmation was considered a criterion for research credibility. Consensus sufficiency was also applied, and the study's results were reviewed by three field experts, whose agreement supported the process and findings. To ensure coding accuracy, 25% of the coded data were reviewed by a second coder, and the inter-coder agreement rate was 78%. The results of this study indicated that four primary factors influence elementary students’ interest in research activities: teachers’ professional performance, family-centered characteristics, and students’ psychological factors. These findings highlight important areas for educators and parents to consider in creating an environment that encourages elementary students to engage in research activities.
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