Student perspective on the contribution of scientific research to society and its importance in university education

This article presents an exploratory study conducted with 177 students from the Academic Unit of Accounting and Administration (UACyA) at the Autonomous University of Nayarit. The study aimed to analyze students' perceptions of scientific research and its importance in university education. A descriptive quantitative approach was employed, using an online survey through Google Forms to gather data from a sample of students in their first, third, fifth, and seventh semesters of the bachelor’s degrees in marketing, Administration, Accounting, and International Business. The sample selection was conducted randomly, including students from both morning and afternoon shifts. The research focused on understanding students' views on the integration of research into the university curriculum, opportunities for participation in research projects, the impact of research on their professional and personal development, and their perception of the contribution of scientific research to society. The results revealed a significant gap between the importance given to scientific research in academia and students' perception of its value. The study highlights the need to implement strategies to foster a culture of research at UACyA, including the integration of research into study plans, the development of scientific literacy programs that clearly and accessibly explain the value of scientific research, and the creation of opportunities for student participation in research projects.