The article discusses the research competence of learners as the component of modern updated content of primary education.

In order to reveal the key concept of «research competence», the authors turned to the problems of research and cognition as such, and formulated the concept of learners’ «research competence» as the component of modern updated content of primary education.

There is scientific discussion on the concepts of «competence» and «competency». The ways and means of forming the research competence of primary school learners are analysed. The structure of the research competence of primary school learners is made.