Formative research as a core axis for the development of research competencies in students at the Universidad Estatal del Sur de Manabí

Abstract

The article “Formative research as an axis for the development of research competencies in students of the Universidad Estatal del Sur de Manabí (UNESUM)” addresses the problem related to the lack of clarity in the stages of the research process, the limited mastery of academic writing standards, and the structural barriers that affect the sustainability of student projects, highlighting the need to strengthen research practice as a key component of educational quality. The objective is to diagnose the current state of formative research at UNESUM through a multidimensional situational analysis, with emphasis on the identification of strengths, weaknesses, and critical factors that influence academic and research development. A descriptive–diagnostic design with a mixed approach was applied, which included theoretical methods (analysis–synthesis, induction–deduction), empirical methods (a structured questionnaire administered to 198 third–semester students and interviews with 16 faculty members), and statistical–mathematical methods (frequencies and percentages). The results show that 55% of students have only partial clarity regarding the stages of the research process, 52% have little knowledge of academic writing standards, and the main obstacles identified were lack of time, limited resources, and low motivation. Faculty members, for their part, recognize the importance of formative research but agree on the need for methodological updating and greater articulation with the community. It is concluded that, although formative research is valued, it must be institutionally strengthened in order to become a transversal axis that enhances comprehensive training and projects UNESUM towards academic and social excellence.