Abstract
The study investigated internet use strategies for effective research among postgraduate students
in Universities in Bayelsa state. Four (4) research questions guided the study. The study adopted
descriptive survey research design. The population of the study was 1,710 postgraduate students.
The sample for this study was 300 postgraduate students drawn using purposive and simple
random sampling techniques. Questionnaire was used in collecting data. Data were analyzed
using percentages, mean and standard deviation on the Statistical Package for Social Sciences
(SPSS). The findings showed that internet resources are available in the three universities in
Bayelsa state for effective research. It was also revealed that extent of use of internet resources
by postgraduate students for effective research is high. Again, findings showed that strategies
employed by postgraduate students in using the internet for their research include; use of search
engines, engaging in key word searching, sending e-mails among others. It was further revealed
that basic internet skills possessed by postgraduate students in the use of internet resources for
effective research include; starting existing program, evaluating what one found, surfing
(browsing), creating folders, printing, copying etc. Based on the findings, the study
recommended among others that the government and school administrators should provide
internet resources and steady power supply in universities. Also, postgraduate students should be
encouraged to undertake computer or ICT literacy programmes to equip themselves with needed
computer literacy skills.
Key Words: Universities, Postgraduate Students, Effective Research, Internet Use Strategies
Publication Date: 2024-01-28