What enhances the research motivation and creativity of graduate students? New evidence from a Japanese empirical survey

Abstract

This article reports results on the research motivation of graduate students in the natural sciences. Given that graduate students in science and technology play a role in innovative activities, creative activities should be integrated into their daily experiments and research. A questionnaire was conducted, and factors related to student research environments and activities were analysed. This study found that awareness of the practical applications of technology and research activity satisfaction strongly enhances the research motivation of graduate students. The research environment and education and supervision environment factors are partially indicated positive effects, implying that the research motivation of graduate students does not instantly increase based on improvements in educational or research environments alone. The existence of financial support is not directly connected with an increase in the research motivation of graduate students.