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Abstract
Objective: This study examined the relationship between research attitudes and research performance among faculty members in medical universities in Punjab, Pakistan. Specifically, it assessed faculty attitudes toward research, measured research performance, and examined the association between the two.
Methods: A quantitative causal-comparative (ex post facto) research design was employed. The study population consisted of 1,434 faculty members working in medical universities in Punjab. A sample of 425 faculty members was selected through random sampling. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire based on a five-point Likert scale. A total of 321 responses were received, and after data cleaning, 313 valid responses were analysed. Reliability was established through Cronbach’s alpha, and data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics in SPSS.
Results: Faculty members demonstrated highly positive research attitudes (Mean = 4.3, SD = 0.3), whereas research performance was comparatively moderate (Mean = 3.4, SD = 0.7). No significant differences in research attitudes or research performance were observed across gender, qualification, or institutional categories. Teaching experience significantly influenced research performance (p < 0.001), with senior faculty members exhibiting higher productivity than junior faculty members. Significant disciplinary differences were also observed in research performance. A positive and statistically significant relationship was found between research attitudes and research performance (r = 0.199, p < 0.001).
Conclusion: Faculty members in medical universities in Punjab possess highly positive attitudes toward research; however, these attitudes are not fully reflected in research productivity. Institutional barriers, workload pressures, limited funding opportunities, and unequal access to research support appear to constrain research performance. Strengthening institutional facilitation, research capacity-building initiatives, mentorship opportunities, and supportive academic environments may help translate positive research attitudes into sustained research productivity and academic excellence.
Keywords: Attitude; Faculty; Medical Education; Research Personnel; Research
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