Advantages of Technological Development and Digitalization in the Preparation of Research and Graduation Theses — An Exploratory Study in Light of the Opinions of Educational Psychology Students at Mohamed Lamine Debaghine University, Sétif 2

Abstract

The preparation of scientific research and the presentation of graduation theses constitute one of the fundamental priorities of academic training in university studies. From the moment students enter higher education, they begin preparing numerous theoretical and applied research projects across most academic disciplines, particularly in the social and human sciences. This process aims to deepen understanding, strengthen acquired knowledge, and consolidate the concepts presented during lectures. It requires a specific methodology that begins with learning how to search for and access scientific sources and references relevant to the research field, and extends to the achievement of scientifically valid results, particularly in field-based research.
There is no doubt that technological development and digitalization have contributed significantly to facilitating the search for scientific material. Students often submit research papers that include extensive lists of books and electronic websites among their references. In practice, their reliance in conducting research has largely shifted toward electronic libraries rather than university libraries and printed books. This transition has been enabled by technological tools that have become accessible to most students, such as mobile phones and computers.
Through this research paper, the discussion addresses the advantages of technological development and digitalization in the preparation of research papers and graduation theses, based on the perspectives of Educational Psychology students at Mohamed Lamine Debaghine University, Sétif 2. The study seeks to answer the following main research question and several subsidiary questions:
_ What are the advantages of technological development and digitalization in preparing research papers and graduation theses?
_ What are the most important technological tools used in scientific research processes?
_ What are the main search engines, libraries, and electronic websites used within your field of specialization?
_ Do you prefer relying on printed libraries or digital resources when preparing your research? Why?