Research literacy and its predictors among university students and graduates identified by machine learning and spatial analysis
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: The landscape of academic publishing has evolved dramatically, leading to a surge in publications and journals. The 'publish or perish' culture has resulted in undesirable practices, such as many researchers publishing in predatory journals due to institutional pressures and lack of awareness. While numerous studies have investigated knowledge of predatory journals, overall research literacy has remained underexplored. This study is the first to assess research literacy comprehensively, incorporating GIS and machine learning techniques alongside traditional statistical analyses. This study utilized a cross-sectional survey method with a questionnaire collecting information on socio-demographics, academic information, research training and experience, and research literacy. Traditional statistical analyses were performed using SPSS, while machine learning models were developed with Python and Google Colab. Supervised classification algorithms and mapping with R statistical software's 'bangladesh' package. The findings revealed that over half of the participants had poor research literacy. Significant predictors of higher research literacy included satisfaction with research courses at university education, research course taken outside university , and research-related professional engagement. Machine learning analysis identified that taking research courses outside of university was the most impactful factor for research literacy, while researchers within family members had minimal influence. The Random Forest and CatBoost models performed strongly in predicting literacy, achieving accuracy rates of 73.04% and 71.57%, respectively, and precision values of 73.29% and 71.69%, respectively, with low log loss values of 0.57 and 0.56. GIS-based spatial analyses revealed regional disparities in research literacy (χ²=9.234, p = 0.236), with certain divisions exhibiting a higher prevalence of lower literacy. This study highlights that a substantial portion of the participants lack research literacy, which is associated with multiple factors. The findings suggest the need for intervention programs to enhance research practices and awareness among students and professionals, fostering a culture of academic excellence.
Source: Scientific Reports
Authors: Mohammed A. Mamun, Md. Abu Huraira, Momotaj Begum, Md. Hasibul Islam Jitu, Naoroj Muntashir, Md. Maruf Khan, Pronab Das, Sadikur Rahman, Umme Zaida Misma, Sajib Nath, Tamim Ikram, Rubiya Wazed, Marjia Khan Trisha, Md. Shabbir Ahamed, Md. Omar Faruk, Arpita Howlader Tisa, Aysha Siddiky, Sree Siddarth Shankar Devnath Satu, Abdul Kaium, Md. Shakibul Hasan, Sabrina Aktar, Md. Zahidul Hasan, Md. Mehedi Hasan, Mohammad Kibria, Tasnim B.K Chowdhury, Milan Kumar Das, Md. Abdulla Hell Kafi Patowary, Md. Hamed Hasan, Sharmin Akter, Anonna Haque, Kulsuma Bahar Bethi, Jannatul Ferdaus, Pintu Chandra Shil, Md. Emran Hasan, Moneerah Mohammad ALmerab, Firoj Al-Mamun, Nitai Roy, David Gozal
Institutions: University of South Asia, Jahangirnagar University, Noakhali Science and Technology University, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, Primeasia University, Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Premier University, Saic College of Medical Science and Technology, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Bangladesh Open University, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, National University Bangladesh, University of Missouri, University of Rajshahi, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Gopalganj Science and Technology University, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Bangladesh Medical University, Hamdard University Bangladesh, North South University, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Northeastern University, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Marshall University
Language: English
Subfield: History and Philosophy of Science
Field: Arts and Humanities
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Quality education
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,690
Award: G3107375237
OpenAlex ID: W4415113135