Factors Influencing Interest in Research among Criminal Justice Students

Abstract

This study explores factors influencing research interest (RI) among criminal justice students. The participants were 328 students at a mid‐western university. Results of a path analysis indicated that quantitative and computer skills and writing skills were significant predictors of RI. Statistics anxiety was a significant negative predictor of research design skills, practical research skills, and quantitative and computer skills. It also indirectly predicted RI via quantitative and computer skills. Statistics self‐efficacy was a significant predictor of research design skills, practical research skills, quantitative and computer skills, and writing skills, and also indirectly predicted RI via quantitative and computer skills as well as writing skills.