Analysis of the Final Graduation Projects of the Guidance Career of the University of Costa Rica from 2012 to 2023

Abstract

Within the framework of the 60th anniversary of the Guidance program at the University of Costa Rica, it is especially important to refer to the Final Graduation Projects, as an academic activity that contributes to the research that is being developed. This study was conducted in September 2023 to June 2024, its objective is: To analyze the Final Graduation Projects carried out to obtain a degree in Guidance at the University of Costa Rica in the period 2012-2023, through a documentary review, so that its results are an input for decision making of the people responsible for the academic and administrative management. The research process is based on the positivist paradigm and the approach is quantitative. The unit of analysis are the Final Graduation Projects presented from 2012 to 2023, a period during which the degree is accredited by the Sistema Nacional de Acreditación de la Educación Superior [National Higher Education Accreditation System]. The technique used to collect information is documentary analysis, considering the variables: stage of development, geographical location, work context, Final Graduation Projects modality, Guidance area, paradigm, research approach, and design. Among the results, we have that of the 51 Final Graduation Projects, 64.7% were done from the naturalistic paradigm; 54.9% with adult population; the main work context in which they were developed is the Ministry of Public Education with 49%; the personal social area is the one in which the most Final Graduation Projects have been carried out (41%); and the modality is the Graduation Seminar (82%). Among the main conclusions, it was found that the naturalistic paradigm is the most used, participants in the studies are mainly adults, and the most researched area is the personal social area.