Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
İstanbul Medical Journal, cilt.25, sa.1, ss.77-83, 2024 (ESCI)
Introduction: The aims of this study were to investigate the perceptions of faculty of medicine students about conducting scientific research and to identify the factors influencing their motivation to conduct scientific research. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 543 students from the second to fifth grades at the faculty of medicine. The questionnaire included questions about career plans, experiences with research courses, and factors affecting students’ motivation to conduct research. Results: Clinical semester students are more likely to present their research at congresses (p=0.001) and to publish their work nationally (p=0.001) and internationally (p=0.014) compared with preclinical semester students. Preclinical period students showed greater agreement than clinical period students in their belief that their motivation for conducting research would be higher by involving them in the decision-making process for selecting research topics (p=0.013) and by streamlining the ethics committee approval process (p=0.004). Students in the clinical group were more motivated when their opinions were considered in research design courses (p=0.043), when ample time was dedicated in the curriculum for research completion (p=0.001), and when time was allocated for interaction with advisors and peers (p=0.001). Conclusion: This study suggests that incorporating compulsory, well-supported research activities that integrate evidence-based medicine and scientific research into pre-graduate medical education may encourage students to consider research careers. Student willingness to participate in research may be enhanced when their research subject preferences and original ideas are considered, adequate time for research is provided, group work is encouraged, and effective counseling is available.