Research self-efficacy in relation to educational motivation in students of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences

Abstract

Aim This study aimed to explore status of research self-efficacy in relation to educational motivation in students of Mazandarn University of Medical Sciences. Methods This descriptive correlative study was performed on 341 BSc students of Mazandaran University of medical sciences. The data were collected through the questionnaires of research self-efficacy and educational motivation. Obtained data were analyzed in software of SPSS (16) using descriptive statistics and independent T-test, Pearson correlation coefficient, one way variance analysis and regression. Results The mean and standard deviation of research self- efficacy total score was 176. 23 32.14. the mean and standard deviation of all the students’ educational motivation was 153.89 24.73. The total score of research self-efficacy and educational motivation between male and female students was not significantly different and the girls got higher score in both variables. The average scores of research self- efficacy and educational motivation of the students in different faculties were significantly different and in both variables of research self- efficacy and educational motivation, the faculty of nursing and midwifery had the highest score then the faculty of medical sciences and finally the faculty of health respectively. Self-efficacy and educational motivation were highly correlated and the regression results showed that 28% of the changes in research self- efficacy is stated by the variable of educational motivation. Conclusion According to findings, the BSc students of Mazandaran University of medical sciences dose not revealed high scores for research self- efficacy and educational motivation. Also there is significant relationship between research self- efficacy and educational motivation. The authors suggested that the students’ beliefs toward their capabilities should be reinforced and boosted and facilities and needed instruction should be offered for them.