RESEARCH COMMUNITY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF COSTA RICA. AN EXPLORATORY AND DESCRIPTIVE APPROACH

Abstract

Abstract: This is an article that is elaborated with the results of an exploratory and descriptive research carried out with the research community at the University of Costa Rica (UCR) between 2012 and 2013. A questionnaire was designed in which several items were included to obtain information to make a characterization of the research community of the University, in aspects such as gender, age, maximum degree of qualification, base unit of secondment, location in academic regime, type of research that takes place, schedule or effort dedicated to research and others. Working with a list of 815 people that were facilitated by the Vice-rectory for research, to those who were sent the questionnaire through the software "LimeSurvey". Out of the 815 people attempted to respond the questionnaire, it was collected a total quantity of 204 responses. In general, the information obtained leads to the following conclusion, as much as there are in the UCR disciplinary areas and academic units that have a significant research activity, there are also areas that do not happen to have such significant research in their academic areas or units. Prevailing trends that, for example, place the areas of Basic Sciences, Social Sciences, Food Sciences and Health, such as those that are still concentrated the greater research activity which is performed at the University. According to the obtained results, this involves the need thatf the institution sustains and deeps institutional policies and management efforts to mitigate and resolve the lacks of balance that exist.