Journal of Knowledge-Research Studies

The Relationship Between Research Abilities and Professional Development of Teachers with the Mediating Role of Motivation and Research Self-Efficacy

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Associate Professor, Department of Knowledge and Information Science, Faculty of Educational Scince and Psychology, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran.

2 Associate Professor, Department of Educational Science, Faculty of Educational Scince and Psychology, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran

3 M. A., Department of Educational Sciences, Faculty of Educational Scince and Psychology, Payame Noor University. Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Purpose: This study investigates the relationship between teachers' research abilities and their professional development, with particular emphasis on the mediating roles of research motivation and research self-efficacy among primary school teachers.
Methodology: A descriptive-analytical, correlational design was employed using variance-based structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The statistical population consisted of 4,269 primary school teachers in Kermanshah during the 2023–2024 academic year, from which 352 participants were selected through convenience sampling. Standardized questionnaires were used to measure the key variables, and reliability was confirmed through Cronbach’s alpha: professional development (0.959), research self-efficacy (0.987), research abilities (0.986), and research motivation (0.922). Data were analyzed using SPSS and SmartPLS software.
Findings: Results indicated that research abilities exerted a significant direct effect on professional development, as well as indirect effects via research motivation and research self-efficacy. Moreover, research abilities significantly influenced both motivation and self-efficacy, which in turn positively affected professional development.
Conclusion: Strengthening teachers’ research skills, motivation, and self-efficacy substantially enhances their professional development. These findings underscore the importance of fostering a research-oriented mindset to support sustainable professional growth in educational contexts.
Value: The study provides empirical evidence on the pivotal role of research capabilities in shaping effective and sustained professional development among teachers.

Keywords

Main Subjects

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Journal of Knowledge-Research Studies
Volume 4, Issue 1 - Serial Number 11
May 2025
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