Strengthening soft skills in university students through research seedbeds at the Catholic University of Pereira

Abstract Research seedbeds are educational spaces where theory and practice are integrated through research, promoting the holistic development of college students. The objective of this study was to analyze the potential influence of participation in research seedbeds on the academic development of students at the Catholic University of Pereira, considering academic performance, the acquisition of competencies, and associated motivational factors. To this end, a descriptive-correlational design with a mixed-methods approach was adopted, combining qualitative techniques—focus groups and interviews—with quantitative analysis of the grade point averages of 332 students, distributed equally among research seed group participants (n = 166) and non-participants (n = 166). The Student’s t-test for independent samples (p < 0.05) and Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r = 0.47, p < 0.01) were used as statistical inference tests. The results suggest that students involved in academic enrichment programs tend to achieve higher academic averages and that the longer they remain in these programs, the greater the trend toward improved academic performance. From the qualitative component, it was found that such participation is associated with the strengthening of soft skills such as assertive communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, time management, and academic writing. However, given the study's non-experimental design, the findings do not allow for the establishment of definitive causal relationships; rather, they provide preliminary empirical evidence consistent with theoretical frameworks that link sustained formative research to the development of academic, cognitive, and socio-emotional competencies in higher education.