INFORMATION SEARCH COMPETENCIES AND QUALITY OF RESEARCHWRITING AMONG VOCATIONAL AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION GRADUATING STUDENTS IN THE UNIVERSITY OF CROSS RIVER STATE(UNICROSS)

Abstract

The study determined the influence of information search competencies on quality of research writing among vocational and technical education graduating students in the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS). To achieve the purpose, two research questions were asked and two null hypotheses were formulated. The study adopted a predictive correlation research design. Purposive sampling technique and census approach were used to select 226 vocational and technical education graduating students comprising 35 and 191 graduating (Year 4) students in Technical and Business Education in the University of Cross River State in the 2023/2024 academic sessions. A validated questionnaire titled “Information Search Competencies and Quality of Research Writing Questionnaire” (ISCQRWQ) was the instrument used for data collection. The questionnaire was validated by three experts. A reliability index of 0.82 was obtained for the questionnaire using Cronbach Alpha reliability coefficient after a pilot test. 218 copies of the questionnaire were successfully retrieved after distribution. Research questions were answered and hypotheses were tested using simple linear regression analysis at .05 significance level. From the answers to the research questions, use of relevant search engines and application of correct search terms influence quality of research writing among vocational and technical education graduating students in the University of Cross River State. Test of hypotheses revealed that use of relevant search engines and application of correct search terms significantly influence quality of research writing among vocational and technical education graduating students in the UNICROSS. Based on the findings, it was recommended amongst others that students should be taught the various practical competencies in accessing relevant information online using Boolean operators, keywords, asterisks and truncation; as this would help reduce information overload