Resumo

MURO, Xiomara et al. HACIA UNA DEFINICIÓN DE LA CALIDAD DE LA INVESTIGACIÓN EN LA UNIVERSIDAD PEDAGÓGICA EXPERIMENTAL LIBERTADOR. Investigación y Postgrado [online]. 2003, vol.18, n.1, pp.23-35. ISSN 1316-0087.

The article presents the results of the first phase of the UPEL University Research Evaluation Project. The project was undertaken in response to the planning done by the Research and Graduate School Division since July, 1999. It calls for the participation of UPEL’s eight pedagogical institutes, for the definition of a Permanent Research Evaluation System. The study is a case of field research of a descriptive and opinion-based nature that reflects the total research principles because it considers all the potentially interfering variables, both qualitative and quantitative, which are taken into account to evaluate the university’s research function. During this phase, a representative and heterogeneous group from the university community involved in managing and developing research activities was consulted with the aim of obtaining different points of view about the quality criteria and indicators. Two techniques were used: interviewing and a consensusbuilding technique known as Nominal Group (NGT), to collect data. The subsequent analysis of the data inventory made it possible to define criteria and indicators common to the UPEL institutes. A total of 18 criteria and 257 indicators were so identified. Moreover, each criterion was defined and a summary of the list of indicators is presented, with the aim of showing the contents and intent of these ideal or desirable characteristics of research. In addition, a complete list of indicators for each criterion is included to provide more detailed information. One of the most immediate consequences of the system is to serve as a reference for data and information collection for the evaluation process, and to provide a platform for designing the University’s Permanent Research Evaluation System.

Palavras-chave : quality criteria and indicators; institutional evaluation; university research.