DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION OF RESEARCH SKILLS IN UNIVERSITY STUDENTS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Abstract

The development of research skills in university students is a fundamental part of their academic and scientific training. However, there is still a limited availability of systematic studies analyzing how training programs and activities affect these skills. A significant transformation that emerges from our review is that university training programs significantly elevate students from reliant learners to independent researchers with enhanced methodological abilities, increased academic output, and a more positive attitude towards research. The overall objective of this study was to systematically analyze the programs, activities, and interventions implemented in universities for the development of research skills in university students, considering their forms of evaluation and the impact reported in the academic literature. The PRISMA statement was adopted, and a search was conducted in Scopus, Web of Science, SciELO, Dialnet, ERIC, and Redalyc, identifying 41 original articles that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The findings showed that programs aimed at strengthening research skills have an impact on the acquisition of methodological skills, increased academic production, and a change in attitudes towards the research process. Likewise, the importance of integrating technological tools and active methodologies to enhance collaborative learning and academic motivation was highlighted. It was concluded that the development of research skills requires interdisciplinary approaches, personalized environments, and the consolidation of practical teamwork skills.