Factors which contribute to the attitudes towards research in final year optometry students at the University of the Free State

English: This study was carried out in order to determine the factors which contribute to the attitudes towards research in the final year optometry students at the University of Free State. Research attitude at an undergraduate level can influence the likelihood of further postgraduate study, and continued life-long learning in a professional capacity. The importance of the research at undergraduate level is noted by the skills which develop: time management, team work, critical thinking and many more. These skills are sought in the workplace and provide for adaptable individuals able to take independent decisions and enhance patient care through rich information gathering. Research is important to the profession of Optometry within the framework of finding African solutions to African problems and sustainability in an ever-increasing diversified patient base. An extensive literature control was undertaken during the length of the study to inform the researcher of aspects of the theory of attitude and the impact an undergraduate research project has to students’ development of an attitude to research. The mandates of the educational framework of government and the University were examined. The method of investigation was the nominal group technique (NGT). The NGT was completed with the informed consent of 22 participants, over a period of seven weeks, in three sessions at a neutral venue. An expert facilitator managed the sessions, and the researcher was present as an observer. Unplanned open discussions occurred after the sessions, which enriched the data collection process. Each statement was taken as an individual code, and the qualitative groupings of codes compiled into themes. Under iterative analysis the themes were then allocated a category. Twelve categories were compiled from the data, with both positive and negative aspects, and categories which carried also mixed (positive and negative) experiences. This reflected the integrative nature of the experiences relating to research that the students identified with; and the importance of interpersonal interaction. The findings highlighted facets which are within the scope of power of the Department of Optometry (DoO) to improve upon. Also, experiences from which students gain satisfaction the DoO can cultivate and formalise in policies relating to the undergraduate research project. Recommendations of the study relate prominently to administrative factors and the future implementation of defined communication channels, guidelines for ethical approval and improved module guides. Not all negative experiences could realistically be eliminated due to the nature of external factors and University guidelines that are currently in place. The findings can lead supervisors to identify shortcomings within their approach to students’ research projects and allow for personal development in this area for each lecturer. The study originated from the limited research experience in undergraduate and postgraduate publications in the DoO and a gap in the knowledge of this topic in the optometric health profession within South Africa. The knowledge gained by the study provides a platform for the growth of the undergraduate research module and an improved output rate of student research publications. The sound research methodology ensured the trustworthiness of the data and findings. Recordings of the original scripts are available to interested readers. This study can serve as the basis for further research undertakings in this field.