Challenges in Undergraduate Research Project Completion: A Case Study of Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan

Abstract

Undergraduate research is an important aspect of higher education because it promotes students’ abilities to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and academic writing skills. Nevertheless, majority undergraduate students face significant difficulties in conducting research, which adversely affects their academic performance and research outcomes. This study examines the academic, institutional, and personal barriers encountered by undergraduate students in their research projects at the university level. A qualitative research methodology was adopted in the study, with semi-structured interviews used to gather information from undergraduate students. Thematic analysis was used to identify the main patterns and themes in the students' research experience. The findings showed that students had to deal with several problems, such as not knowing how to conduct research well, challenges in academic writing and data analysis, no access to academic sources, poor tutor support, institutional challenges, and time-management problems due to academic workload and personal obligations. These were interconnected issues and affected students' motivation and research productivity. The study concludes that training in research, the creation of institutional research infrastructure, the development of better supervisory practices, and the provision of student support services are necessary to enhance undergraduate research experiences. The results add to the existing literature on undergraduate research and give useful recommendations to facilitate the research completion at the undergraduate level.