RESUMEN
To describe the correlation between Self-directed Learning [SDL] and medical students' attitude towards research, based on the premise that self-directed learners are independent, motivated, and curious learners. Observational cross-sectional study. Rawalpindi Medical College, Rawalpindi, from August 2011 to January 2012. One hundred and ninety-four students of final [5th] year class at Rawalpindi Medical College, Rawalpindi participated in this cross-sectional study. SDL ability of students was measured using Oddi's Continuing Learning Inventory [OCLI] whereas Attitude Towards Research [ATR] scale was used to measure their research attitudes. Spearman's rank-order analysis was performed to measure correlation between SDL scores on OCLI and all the 18 items on ATR scale. Statistically significant relationships with correlation coefficients ranging from +0.12 to +0.32 were found for the correlation between scores on the OCLI and eleven statements highlighting research use and positive attributes of research [14 items]. Those students who participated in extra-curricular research projects [n=58, 29.9%] had relatively higher scores on OCLI as compared to those who did not participate [n=136, 70.1%, p=0.041]. Self-directed learners show a positive attitude towards research, though the relationship is not strong