Research in higher education: key factor in the construction of knowledge

Abstract

The social and economic reality of a country, region, locality or of any social group, is understood through research, through a process that studies a phenomenon or problem through the application of quantitative, qualitative or mixed approaches, which They are directed towards the generation of knowledge and where higher education institutions play a preponderant role, a reflection that originated the subject of this article. The objective is to highlight research in higher education as a key factor in the construction and generation of knowledge. The methodology is qualitative and quantitative, it applies exploratory research based on secondary sources of information related to the subject under study. The  results indicate that countries such as Argentina, Mexico, Chile and Venezuela have increased the number of researchers between 2010 and 2013 and Colombia and Uruguay have decreased the total number of researchers in that period; In addition, there is a low attitude towards research on the part of higher education institutions and students. Finally, it is concluded that higher education institutions are obliged to develop curricular plans, programs and structures focused on research, with the purpose that students develop scientific competencies to learn to learn, build knowledge and solve problems in the socio- economic environment.