Equilibrium between Education and Research in Agricultural Higher Education: A Pathological Analysis

Document Type : Original Research

Authors
Fatemeh Soleymani Sardo 1
Masoud Bijani 1
Esmail Karamidehkordi 1
Fatemeh Sepahvand 2
1 Department of Agricultural Extension and Education, College of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University (TMU), Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran.
2 Department of Agricultural Extension and Education, College of Agriculture, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Islamic Republic of Iran.
Abstract
Education and research are fundamental pillars of educational systems, including agricultural higher education institutions. However, an inadequate balance between these components can lead to a deviation from the primary goals of these institutions. This study aimed to conduct a pathological analysis of the equilibrium between education and research in the higher education system of agriculture in Iran. “Three-pronged pathology model” was utilized, comprising components of “context” (including knowledge, moral, individual-psychological, satisfaction, and the thematic nature), “behavior” (including planning, coordination, control, and monitoring), and “structure” (including demonstrative, diversity, consequence, and political). This quantitative study was applied in purpose non-experimental in design, retrospective in timing, survey-based in data collection, and descriptive-causal comparative in data analysis. The data collection instrument was a researcher-developed questionnaire, with face and content validity confirmed by experts. The reliability of the questionnaire was established using Cronbach's alpha for each variable (0.704≤ α≤ 0.902). The statistical population comprised faculty members from agricultural departments of public universities in Iran (N= 3,335), with a sample of 307 selected. Results indicated a tendency among faculty members towards research activities. The greatest gap and imbalance between education and research were observed in the areas of context, followed by structure and behavior. This indicates that the existing context and structure push faculty members towards research activities for their sustainability and advancement in the agricultural higher education system. This poses a serious issue that must be addressed by policymakers and decision-makers.

Keywords

Subjects

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Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology
Volume 28, Issue 2
March and April 2026
Pages 285-298