Researchers’ Perspective on Science and Technology Research Graduate

This study focuses on the perception of undergraduate researchers towards science and technology research activities. The activity is carried out in the form of a research project in their final year of studies at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, which is a requirement for graduation. Responses from these students are the most important component in determining whether the Faculty of Science and Technology is producing future graduates suited for postgraduate research. In this study, 41 respondents were surveyed to determine their perception towards the scientific process they had experienced during their research. It found that a research process consists of the deduction of a suggested idea; execution of an experimental protocol and data acquisition based on a predetermined methodology; and a conclusion of the hypothesis, which in itself is a significant metamorphosis in shaping the mind of a student into a postgraduate researcher. The approach of this research considers the basic scientific competency of the students and by doing so, confirms that students are no longer technophobic, and boost the confidence to observe the aspects researched through a global overview through the utilization of the internet, before and after experimentation. Research minded science and technology graduates are hoped to contribute to the reflection and provide a more critical and practical solution to everyday issues that they will face in communities throughout their careers.