Utilization of Modern Research Tools among Postgraduate Students in the Faculty of Agriculture, Universities in Rivers State, Nigeria.

Abstract:

The study analyzed the utilization of modern research tools among post graduate students in the Faculty of Agriculture, Universities in Rivers State. Data were collected through the use of a questionnaire. A total of one hundred and eleven (111) respondents (83 from RSU and 28 from UNIPORT) were used. Data were analyzed with the use of frequency, percentage, mean scores and logistic regression. Findings showed that majority (59%) in RSU were male while 53.6% in UNIPORT were female. Based on Department, most (20.5%) in RSU were of the Department of crop/soil science while 39.3% in UNIPORT were of anima science. Result on the types of modern research tools available shows that majority (100%) in RSU and UNIPORT indicated that Google was readily available to them. Result on utilization shows that RSU post graduate students utilized SPPS more while UNIPORT post graduate students utilized google more. Result on challenges to the utilization of modern research tools shows that high cost of internet subscription was a major challenge for post graduate students of RSU and UNIPORT. Result of hypothesis 1 showed that only income as a socio-economic characteristics influenced the use of modern research tools. The study recommends that the Universities should provide internet facilities for post graduate students to help mitigate the challenge faced in utilization of modern research tools.