Factors Affecting Conducting Social Sciences Research in State Universities in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Higher education institutes play a significant role in creating and disseminating new knowledge. Social Sciences research, especially, contributes to social development. Similar to some developing countries, the quality, and quantity of Social Science research in Sri Lanka are the least priority. This study examines the significant factors affecting the conduct of Social Sciences research in state universities in Sri Lanka. Based on the literature review, this study hypothesized that research rewards, research allowances, time management, language competency, support of leadership, collaboration among academics, and publications opportunities significantly affect the conduct of term Social Sciences research in the state universities in Sri Lanka. The study used quantitative research methods with a stratified sample to collect data from 114 academics representing 13% of the population in the Social Science Faculties of state universities in Sri Lanka. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study revealed that Time Management, Research Rewards, and Research Allowances significantly affect the conduct of research in Social Sciences. Policy measures are proposed to restore a conducive environment for conducting Social Sciences research in the state university system of Sri Lanka. As there is a dearth of research addressing the issue of the research environment using the deductive approach with reference to state universities in Sri Lanka, and as this research question has not been empirically tested, the current study fills these research gaps.

KEYWORDS: Social Sciences, Research Environment, State Universities, Western Province, Sri Lanka