PERTANIKA JOURNAL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES AND HUMANITIES

This study examined differences in research anxiety levels among undergraduate students as well as the correlation between research anxiety and perceived supervisor support. The study employed an explanatory mixed-methods design, with quantitative data collected and analysed first, followed by qualitative data to help interpret the quantitative results. Three hundred and ninety undergraduates completed online questionnaire surveys, and 20 participated in focus group discussions. T-tests, ANOVA, and Pearson correlation were used for the statistical analysis. Thematic analysis was employed to analyse the qualitative data. Findings showed that females exhibited higher anxiety levels than males. Juniors exhibited the highest anxiety, while freshmen showed the lowest. Business and Management students reported the highest anxiety levels, whereas Technology and Engineering students had the lowest. A weak, positive relationship between anxiety and perceived support was identified, with qualitative data offering further insights into individual experiences and perceptions. Guidance in research, knowledge, skills, and emotional support generally reduced anxiety. However, seniors and juniors experienced increased anxiety due to perceived gaps between the support they received and their expectations. The combination of quantitative and qualitative data in this study provided a more comprehensive understanding of how supervisor support impacted research anxiety. The study suggests strategies for reducing anxiety levels among undergraduates and provides directions for future research.