Application and Use of Research Support Tools for improved academic performance by Post-Graduate Students of Faculty of Social and Management Science of Modibbo Adama University Yola Nigeria

This study explores the application and use of research support tools among post-graduate students at the Faculty of Social and Management Sciences, Modibbo Adama University, Yola, Nigeria. The objectives are to; determine the types of research support tools, ascertain the level of application and use of research support tools and to find out the challenges associated with the use of research support tools and three research questions were used to guide the study.

Methodology: The study employed a quantitative research design and used questionnaire as instrument for data collection. The population of the study consists of 215 postgraduate students.  The researchers used consensus as the sampling technique, therefore entire population was used. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis, specifically mean frequency and percentages presented in table.

Findings/Results: The findings of the study revealed that, the postgraduate students are aware and used research support tools having a grand mean of 3.1. The result shows that all application tolls are widely used and applied in carrying out research activities. And the study shows that lack of network connectivity and training requirement as pressing challenges.

Implications: The awareness and use of research support tools among postgraduate students highlights the relevance and impacts of these tools in enhancing research activities. However, the identified challenges indicate a need for institutional interventions to improve effectiveness.

Conclusion: The study concludes that postgraduate students actively engage with research support tools but face challenges with their application and use such as poor network connectivity and need for proper training.

Recommendations: The study further recommends that institutions should organize regular training and workshops to deepen student’s understanding of research support tools, integrate these tools into academic curricula and put training programs in place to address challenges faced with their use.