How motivation affects academic performance: a structural equation modelling analysis

Abstract

Few studies in medical education have studied effect of quality of motivation on performance. Self-Determination Theory based on quality of motivation differentiates between Autonomous Motivation (AM) that originates within an individual and Controlled Motivation (CM) that originates from external sources. To determine whether Relative Autonomous Motivation (RAM, a measure of the balance between AM and CM) affects academic performance through good study strategy and higher study effort and compare this model between subgroups: males and females; students selected via two different systems namely qualitative and weighted lottery selection. Data on motivation, study strategy and effort was collected from 383 medical students of VU University Medical Center Amsterdam and their academic performance results were obtained from the student administration. Structural Equation Modelling analysis technique was used to test a hypothesized model in which high RAM would positively affect Good Study Strategy (GSS) and study effort, which in turn would positively affect academic performance in the form of grade point averages. This model fit well with the data, Chi square = 1.095, df = 3, p = 0.778, RMSEA model fit = 0.000. This model also fitted well for all tested subgroups of students. Differences were found in the strength of relationships between the variables for the different subgroups as expected. In conclusion, RAM positively correlated with academic performance through deep strategy towards study and higher study effort. This model seems valid in medical education in subgroups such as males, females, students selected by qualitative and weighted lottery selection.

A qualitative study on trainees’ and supervisors’ perceptions of assessment for learning in postgraduate medical education

“…Ownership can best be described as an internal drive to make the most of postgraduate training and act accordingly (Kusurkar et al 2012). In our study, ownership of trainees plays a central role in both the motivation of a trainee to ask for feedback and the supervisor's willingness to start giving feedback.…”

Psychometric Properties of the Short ASSISTScales

“…There is general agreement that students' own study behaviors and engagement with the study materials are of great importance for their subsequent study results (Diseth & Martinsen, 2003;Kusurkar, Ten Cate, Vos, Westers, & Croiset, 2013;Mattick, Dennis, & Bligh, 2004;Richardson, Abraham, & Bond, 2012;Salamonson et al, 2013). Building on the work of Marton and Säljö (1976) four decades ago, Entwistle and Ramsden (1983) introduced a much used conceptual framework in an attempt to distinguish between the qualitatively different approaches to studying that students employ.…”

A study of the factors determining motivational level to study of medical university students and a sense of identification with the future professional role

“…W tym aspekcie podkreśla się istotną rolę nauczycieli akademickich, którzy powinni umożliwić słuchaczom zdobycie niezbędnych umiejętno-ści nie tylko merytorycznych, ale również etycznych, koniecznych do prawidłowego rozwoju poczucia tożsamości zawodowej. 14,15 Analiza związku między poziomem motywacji do studiowania a jakością kontaktu z nauczycielami akademickimi była przedmiotem wielu badań prowadzonych przez między innymi Menyhárta i Kormosa, 22 Kormosa et al 23 oraz White'a. 24 Podkreślali oni, że dobrej jakości kontakt z wykładowcami ma pozytywny związek z poziomem motywacji studentów do nauki.…”

“…13,19 W przeprowadzonym badaniu zmienne niezależne, jakimi są wiek i płeć, nie wykazują powiązań z poziomem motywacji. Nieco inne wyniki przedstawia Kusurkar et al 14 Stwierdzają oni, że kobiety charakteryzują się wyższym poziomem wewnętrznej (bardziej dojrzałej) motywacji niż mężczyźni. Do wyjaśnienia przyczyn tego zjawiska mogą posłużyć dane empiryczne prezentowane w ramach psychologii rozwojowej.…”