摘要：Transformation of modern society affects all fields. The goals and objectives of social development as well as the means to achieve them require science-based mechanisms, methodological support for studying social phenomena and their philosophical and sociological analysis. Both integrative and differential processes characterize modern scientific activity. The key reason for science institutionalization as a sociocultural phenomenon is its social inclusion. In this process science integrates with such social institutions as education, management and etc.The paper deals with research activities in higher education institutions. The importance of this study is determined by the increasing role of research activities in social, economic, political, legal and cultural development of society. In a modern society the process of institutionalization requires its dynamic development. Science has issues that should be examined. The socio-cultural basis of scientific activity changes is a key one for studying. The goal of this study is to analyze the historical validity of the characteristics of research activities in terms of sociocultural determinants. The authors carried out system and comparative analyses and a logical-historical study of the transformation of research activity phenomenon. In conclusion, sociocultural determinants of research activity formation and development are revealed in today’s changing conditions of social factors; the definitions to such concepts as “research interest” and “research needs” are given.
