THE ESSENCE OF THE CONCEPT “RESEARCH COMPETENCE” IN NATIONAL AND FOREIGN LITERATURE

The article deals with the results of research on the essence of the interpretation of the concept “research competence” in national and foreign literature. The analysis allows to state that national researchers define research competence as an integral personal quality that combines knowledge, skills, abilities and experience of the researcher; it is characterized by motivation and values of research activities. National educators distinguish cognitive, praxeological, axiological and socio-behavioural components; they consider the formation of this competence in the implementation and organization of research activities, a positive attitude towards it and awareness of its importance, regardless of whether it is performed individually or collectively. It is established that foreign researchers have a similar view on the essence of the concept “research competence”. They interpret it as a combination of skills, knowledge and attitudes with models of personal competencies, as a way to interact to achieve results and as the ability to successfully meet individual and social needs; they consider research skills fundamental to creating an evidence base of professional practice, the basis for lifelong learning and the key to innovation and knowledge transfer. The analysis of scientific literature has shown that scientists unanimously declare research competence as one of the most important; they use the concept “ability (readiness) for scientific activity” to emphasize its activity essence. It has been stated that research competence is regarded as the basis for the formation of professional competence, an important educational goal for graduates and the most important qualification of students wishing to continue their studies in a postgraduate training program. Keywords: competence; research competence; research activities; knowledge, skills and abilities; individual and social needs; professional education; scientific literacy; readiness for scientific activity.