Integrating ATLAS.ti Usage and Certification as an Educational Innovation to Elevate Engagement, Perception, and Scientific Research Competencies in the Creative Studies Track for First-Year Higher Education Students

In the first-year course “Research Methodologies of Human Factors” within the professional-level program of Creative Studies, it was noted that several students held a negative perception of the course. They viewed it as irrelevant, complex, and tedious, influenced by comments from students in other cohorts, their inexperience in research methodology, and a lack of awareness regarding the significance of research in their creative processes and trajectories. In response, an educational innovation was introduced into the course activities—the utilization of computer-assisted qualitative data analysis software (CAQDAS). Additionally, a workshop on the fundamentals of using ATLAS.ti for data processing and systematization was integrated, offering an official certification with academic value. This research adopted an exploratory and experimental approach to shed light on the impact of incorporating these tools and the certification process into the early years of professional studies. The objective was to enhance student motivation and perception in research methodology courses and promote the development of the “Complex Reasoning” competency, particularly the sub-competency of scientific thinking. Among the primary findings was a positive trend in the perception of the course and the learning experience, as evidenced by the standardized test results and metacognitive and reflective testimonies collected through student interviews. This research contributes insights into the potential benefits of integrating CAQDAS tools and certification processes to improve the overall educational experience in the early stages of professional studies.