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Abstract
This study examines the relationship between postgraduate students’ technology skills and their perceptions of research, utilizing two psychometrically validated tools: the Technology Skills Assessment Tool (TSAT) and the Research Perception Scale (RPS). The research was conducted among 117 Master of Arts MA and M.Ed. students across government and private higher education institutions in India. The study employed a purely quantitative design using random sampling. Results from reliability analysis and exploratory factor analysis confirmed the internal consistency and construct validity of both instruments. Descriptive statistics indicated a moderate to high level of technology proficiency and positive research perception among students. Pearson’s correlation revealed significant associations between key technology domains (e.g., digital literacy, data analysis) and research confidence, motivation, and aspirations. Multiple regression analysis further established that digital skills significantly predicted students’ perceptions across different dimensions of research engagement. Additionally, no significant differences were observed across gender, program, or institution type. These findings highlight the relevance of embedding digital skill development into postgraduate curricula to strengthen research competence. The study concludes with implications for curriculum planners, teacher educators, and researchers, recommending the adoption of digitally enriched, practice-oriented research training in higher education.
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This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Article Type: Research Article
International Journal of Changes in Education, Volume 3, Issue 4, 2026, 451-468
https://doi.org/10.47852/bonviewIJCE52026732
Publication date: 14 Aug 2026
Online publication date: 29 Oct 2025
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Article Downloads: 3
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