Dataset with determinants or factors influencing graduate economics student preparation and success in an online environment

The data relates to the paper that analyses the determinants or factors that best explain student research skills and success in the honours research report module during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021. The data used have been gathered through an online survey created on the Qualtrics software package. The research questions were developed from demographic factors and subject knowledge including assignments to supervisor influence and other factors in terms of experience or belonging that played a role (see anonymous link at https://unisa.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_86OZZOdyA5sBurY. An SMS was sent to all students of the 2021 module group to make them aware of the survey. They were under no obligation to complete it and all information was regarded as anonymous. We received 39 responses. The raw data from the survey was processed through the SPSS statistical, software package. The data file contains the demographics, frequencies, descriptives, and open questions processed.The study reported in this paper employed the mixed methods approach comprising a quantitative and qualitative analysis. The quantitative and econometric analysis of the dependent variable, namely, the final marks for the research report and the independent variables that explain it. The results show significance in terms of the assignments and existing knowledge marks in terms of their bachelor's average mark. We extended the analysis to a qualitative and quantitative survey, which indicated that the mean statistical feedback was above average and therefore strongly agreed/agreed except for library use by the student. Students, therefore, need more guidance in terms of library use and the open questions showed a need for a research methods course in the future. Furthermore, supervision tends to be a significant determinant in all cases. It is also here where supervisors can use social media instruments such as WhatsApp and Facebook to inform students further. This study contributes as the first to investigate the preparation and research skills of students for master's and doctoral studies during the COVID-19 pandemic in an online environment.本数据集对应一篇分析2021年新冠疫情期间荣誉研究报告课程模块中学生研究能力与课程成果最佳影响因素的学术论文。本数据集所用数据通过基于Qualtrics软件（Qualtrics）搭建的线上问卷收集所得。本研究的调研问题涵盖人口统计特征、学科知识（含作业完成情况）、导师影响力，以及经验、归属感等相关影响因素（详见匿名问卷链接：https://unisa.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_86OZZOdyA5sBurY）。研究团队向2021年该课程模块的全体学生发送短信告知问卷事宜，学生可自愿参与填写，所有信息均做匿名化处理。本次调研共回收有效问卷39份。问卷原始数据通过SPSS统计分析软件（SPSS）完成预处理。本数据集文件包含人口统计特征、频次统计、描述性统计及经过处理的开放式问题数据。本论文采用混合研究方法，结合定量与定性分析开展研究。研究针对因变量（即研究报告最终成绩）及其解释性自变量展开了定量与计量经济学分析。分析结果显示，作业完成情况与本科阶段平均成绩等既有知识水平指标对因变量具有显著影响。后续拓展的定性与定量分析结果表明，除学生图书馆资源使用相关反馈外，其余统计类反馈的平均分均高于整体平均水平，即学生普遍对反馈持"非常同意"或"同意"态度。因此，学生在图书馆资源使用方面需要更多指导；开放式问题反馈亦显示，未来需开设研究方法类课程。此外，导师指导在所有分析场景中均为显著影响因素，导师可借助WhatsApp、Facebook等社交媒体工具进一步与学生沟通。本研究为首个在新冠疫情期间的线上环境中，针对硕士与博士阶段学生的研究能力培养与准备情况展开的调研。