Science Motivation Questionnaire Research Articles

Introduction of the Modified Neuroanatomy Motivation Questionnaire and Its Role in Comparing Medical Student Attitudes Towards Learning Neuroanatomy Between Neuro-enthusiasts and Standard Students

BackgroundNeurophobia has been identified as a potential barrier to adequate knowledge of neurology in the medical community, and therefore to patient safety. There is a drive to identify the source of neurophobia, in the hope of tackling it. Comparing the learning motivations of standard medical students with those who enjoy neuroanatomy may be a way of doing this.MethodsThe science motivation questionnaire (SMQ) was modified for neuroanatomy. It was distributed to three cohorts of second year medical students and students attending the extracurricular National Undergraduate Neuroanatomy Competition (NUNC). Cohen’s D test for effect size was used to compare standard medical students and those attending the NUNC.ResultsFive hundred ninety-seven questionnaires were completed by second year students, and 320 by NUNC attendees. The differences in motivation to learn neuroanatomy between the 2 groups mainly fell into themes of career motivation, personal relevance, intrinsic motivation and assessment anxiety.ConclusionThis study has demonstrated the use of the SMQ in neuroanatomy, and found differences in motivators to learn neuroanatomy between self-selecting “neurophiles” and standard medical students, mainly relating to intrinsic motivation and its role in their lives. More research is needed to further explore these differences and how they might apply to interventions in medical school curricula.

Validation of the Mathematics Motivation Questionnaire (MMQ) for secondary school students

BackgroundMotivation is critical for supporting persistence and achievement in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines. In this study, we focus on the assessment of mathematics motivation among secondary school students. We provide validity and reliability evidence for the Mathematics Motivation Questionnaire (MMQ)—adapted from the Science Motivation Questionnaire designed for college students—using data from 2551 secondary students from seven states across the United States.ResultsExploratory and confirmatory factor analyses confirmed five latent factors of the MMQ indicated by 19 items: intrinsic value, self-regulation, self-efficacy, utility value, and test anxiety. The nonlinear SEM reliability coefficients of the five constructs ranged from 0.76 to 0.91. To assess criterion validity, analyses using a subset of the data that included students’ mathematics standardized scores (n = 536) indicated that intrinsic value, self-regulation, and self-efficacy were significantly positively correlated with mathematics achievement, whereas test anxiety was significantly negatively correlated with mathematics achievement.ConclusionsThe MMQ provides a reliable, valid, and feasible measure of the specific factors underlying mathematics motivation among secondary students.

Exploring students’ science motivation across grade levels and the role of inductive reasoning in science motivation

The purpose of this study is to explore students’ motivation towards science learning at different grade levels and to investigate whether inductive reasoning can contribute to an explanation of science motivation. The study conducted a cross-sectional assessment in six public schools in Vietnam with a total population of 813 students from the 5th, 7th, 9th, 10th and 11th grades. Students completed instruments in either paper-and-pencil or online administration modes. An adapted science motivation questionnaire comprised five subscales for self-efficacy, active learning strategies, science learning value, achievement goals and learning environment stimulation. An inductive reasoning test consisted of four subtests: figure series completion, figure analogies, number analogies and number series completion. The results of confirmatory factor analyses and Rasch model measurement showed that the instruments were adequate fit models, both the science motivation questionnaire (RMSEA=.054, CFI=.919, SRMR=.055) and inductive reasoning test (RMSEA=.038, CFI=.902, SRMR=.044). We found that students’ scores gradually fell grade by grade in science motivation throughout the grade cohorts. Particularly, students’ motivation dropped noticeably on the self-efficacy and active learning strategies subscales. No gender difference was found between males and females in science motivation. Although a positive correlation was observed between inductive reasoning and motivation across grade levels, multi-model Bayesian inference suggested that other factors, such as age, science performance and parental involvement, were better predictors of students’ science motivation. Furthermore, a path analysis showed that inductive reasoning has an indirect effect on science motivation through a science performance variable. The implications for enhancing science motivation are also discussed.

Motivating Students to Learn STEM via Engaging Flight Simulation Activities

Aviation is an interdisciplinary subject that has influenced human development over the last century. Learning about aviation exposes students to principles of flight, language, earth science, aeronautical engineering, flight training and airmanship. In K-12 education, educators have started to encourage children to learn science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects via aviation-themed activities to develop future scientists and engineers. This study investigated upper primary students’ motivations to learn STEM via engaging in flight simulation experiences. The sample consisted of 345 10- to 13-year-old Hong Kong students from 8 primary schools. A modified version of the 31-item Science Motivation Questionnaire II (SMQ II) with four subscales with a focus on aviation was used. The relationships between intrinsic motivation, extrinsic motivation, self-efficacy and peer support across gender and performance were examined. The data obtained were analysed using factor analysis and a regression model. According to our model, students are most strongly motivated by peer support, followed by intrinsic motivation, and they are least motivated by self-efficacy. As expected, our results indicate that a gender gap exists in aviation-themed STEM learning. These findings can help educators to better understand students’ perceptions of aviation science and further develop related learning activities.

Science Motivation and Achievement Among Minority Urban High School Students: an Examination of the Flipped Classroom Model

The effect of the flipped classroom model (FCM) on high school students’ science motivation and achievement in an urban public school was examined using a quasi-experimental pretest/posttest design. Over 4 weeks, sixty students engaged in the FCM and 62 students engaged in the traditional classroom model. Motivation was measured using the Science Motivation Questionnaire (SMQ-II), and achievement was measured using the Endocrine System Unit Test (ESUT). A statistically significant difference in students’ composite levels of motivation when engaging in the FCM as compared with the traditional face-to-face model was found, with a statistically significant difference among the self-efficacy subscale only. A significant difference in academic achievement was not found. The implications of the research and suggestions for future examination are discussed.

Analysis of Science Motivation Based on Learning of Conventional, Realistic and Hybrid Image In Chemistry

Learning outcomes are a description of the development of student knowledge starting from the learning process to the end of the education program when students graduate. This study aims to analyse the differences in student scientific motivation from the aspects of self-efficacy, responsibility and student curiosity in learning chemistry (used a conventional, realistic and hybrid image). The sample of this research was 100 students from high school were surveyed in the Pekanbaru. This study used a science motivation questionnaire with variables of self-efficacy, responsibility and anxiety. The research data were analysed using SPSS by looking at the frequency with which students answered each item of questioner. The results showed that students had high motivation from the self-efficacy aspect. Students also have a sense of responsibility to learn well in the teaching and learning process. And have a high sense of anxiety

The Relationship between Motivation for, and Interest in, Learning Physics among Lower Secondary School Students in Uganda

Motivation and interest affect students’ learning especially in Physics, a subject learners perceive as abstract. The present study was guided by three objectives: (a) to adapt and validate the Science Motivation Questionnaire (SMQ-II) for the Ugandan context; (b) to examine whether there are significant differences in motivation for learning Physics with respect to students’ gender; and (c) to establish the extent to which students’ interest predicts their motivation to learn Physics. The sample comprised 374 randomly selected students from five schools in central Uganda who responded to anonymous questionnaires that included scales from the SMQ-II and the Individual Interest Questionnaire. Data were analysed using confirmatory factor analyses, t-tests and structural equation modelling in SPSS-25 and Mplus-8. The five-factor model solution of the SMQ-II fitted adequately with the present data, with deletion of one item. The modified SMQ-II exhibited invariant factor loadings and intercepts (i.e. strong measurement invariance) when administered to boys and girls. Furthermore, motivation for learning Physics did not vary with gender. Students’ interest was related to motivation for learning Physics. Lastly, although students’ interest significantly predicted all motivational constructs, we noted considerable predictive strength of interest on students’ self-efficacy and self-determination in learning Physics. Implications of these findings for the teaching and learning of Physics at lower secondary school are discussed in the paper.

Level Up!: Gamification of Students' Conceptual Understanding Motivation in Science

Students need a strong foundation in science education because it is the basis for their future intellectual development. Additionally, students will need a solid understanding of the basic sciences for their future careers. Gamification can be a potential strategy to enhance students' conceptual understanding and motivation in science. Specifically, this quasi-experimental study compared science students' conceptual understanding and motivation before and after gamification exposure. A total enumeration of 33 Science, Technology, and Engineering (STE) Grade 9 students enrolled in a public secondary school in online classes for School Year 2021-2022. The duly validated 50-item test and Science Motivation Questionnaire (SMQ) were used to measure students' conceptual understanding and motivation. Mean, standard deviation and Wilcoxon Signed Ranks tests were used as statistical tools. Results revealed that students had an "average" conceptual understanding of science before the intervention and a "high" motivation towards the subject. However, after eight sessions, their conceptual knowledge improved to "high" while their motivation was "very high." Moreover, results revealed a significant difference in the conceptual understanding and motivation in science among students before and after exposure to gamification, making it an effective strategy. It is recommended that further studies be conducted to identify other factors that may contribute to the strategy's effectiveness. Keywords: conceptual understanding, gamification, motivation, science education

Psychometric properties of Science Motivation Questionnaire II‐Chinese version in two waves of longitudinal data

AbstractScience motivation is an important factor that directly influences students’ science learning. Numerous studies have been undertaken to develop and validate questionnaire items for measuring students’ motivation in science learning. This study is the first longitudinal examination of the Chinese version of Science Motivation Questionnaire II (SMQ II‐C) in a Chinese cultural context. Using two waves of surveys, we evaluated its internal structure validity and criterion‐related validity. Results showed that at each time point, scores were internally consistent and the hypothesized five‐factor model was confirmed as the best model fit for the data. Results of multigroup invariance revealed the structure of the SMQ II‐C was equivalent within gender subgroups. Furthermore, the present study added longitudinal invariance evidence of the SMQ II‐C by sampling two‐time points. Overall, this study suggests the SMQ II‐C is a robust instrument for evaluating Chinese high school students’ motivation to learn science. Furthermore, boys yielded higher scores than girls among all five subscales of science motivation and significant gender differences were observed in both waves. Implications and limitations of these results are discussed.

Testing validity inferences of science motivation questionnaire (SMQ-II) instrument: Rasch-based analysis with Indonesian secondary students

Examining science motivation is essential for science learning in the classroom, even more, science motivation is often related to students’ achievement and performance. The test of science motivation has broadly employed and some of the instrument has been translated into a local language where the instrument used. The current study explores the validity evidence of Science Motivation Questionnaire II (SMQ-II) by IRT-Rasch based analysis using Test Analysis Models ‘TAM’ Package v. 3.1-45 in R software from Indonesian context. This study reveals construct validity of SMQ-II instrument based on The Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing using Messick’s (1989) validity theories and construct validity. The data collected from 984 Indonesian middle and high school students. As result, the current study had SMQ-II validity evidence which includes (1) Dimensionality of the instrument using Exploratory Factor Analysis and Rasch-analysis likelihood ratio approach, (2) Expected A Posteriori (EAP) reliability and Weighted Maximum Likelihood Estimation (WLE) reliability, (3) Item fit and item properties, (4) Wright Map using Rasch modeling. The result of construct analysis shows that the instrument was appropriate with a theory where the construct was categorized into five dimensions, all the items of SMQ-II fit the rasch modelling, and the internal reliability of each dimension is categorized as good. In general, the current study suggests that SMQ-II instrument of Indonesian version is adequate to be implemented in Indonesia.

Investigation of evidence for the internal structure of a modified science motivation questionnaire II (mSMQ II): a failed attempt to improve instrument functioning across course, subject, and wording variants

The Science Motivation Questionnaire II (SMQ II) was developed to measure aspects of student motivation in college-level science courses. Items on the SMQ II are structured such that the word ‘science’ can be replaced with any discipline title (e.g., chemistry) to produce a discipline-specific measure of student motivation. Since its original development as the Science Motivation Questionnaire and subsequent refinement, the SMQ II and its discipline-specific variants have been used in a number of science education studies. However, many studies have failed to produce acceptable validity evidence for their data based on the proposed internal structure of the instrument. This study investigated if modifications could be made to the SMQ II such that it produces consistent structural evidence across its use in various forms. A modified SMQ II (mSMQ II) was tested with wording variants (‘science’ and ‘biology’ or ‘chemistry’) in general biology and in preparatory and general chemistry courses at several institutions. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis were used to cull problematic items and evaluate the structure of the data based on the relations posited by the SMQ II developers. While extensive revisions resulted in acceptable data model fit for the five-factor structural models in most course and wording conditions, significant issues arose for the single-factor scales. Therefore, potential users are cautioned about the utility of the SMQ II or its variants to support the evaluation of classroom practices. A reflective review of the theoretical underpinnings of the SMQ II scales call into question the original framing of the scales and suggests potential alternatives for consideration.

Domain specificity of motivation: chemistry and physics learning among undergraduate students of three academic majors

ABSTRACTThis study aimed at investigating the issue of domain specificity of motivation across specific science disciplines (chemistry and physics) in combination with influencing factors related with students’ academic major and gender. A clustered sampling was used to select 281 participants who were undergraduate students (105 males and 176 females) attending three different academic majors (Environmental Technology, Conservation of Cultural Heritage, Food Technology) at a Greek tertiary education institution. Motivation to learn chemistry and physics was evaluated concurrently using the discipline-specific (Chemistry and Physics) versions of Science Motivation Questionnaire II (SMQ II) denoted as CMQ II and PMQ II, respectively. Discipline-based comparisons showed the existence of domain specificity in motivation with the whole student sample displaying higher motivation to learn chemistry relative to physics in all five motivational scales of SMQ II (self-efficacy, self-determination, intrinsic motivation, career motivation and grade motivation). Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) and discriminant function analysis showed that students’ motivation to learn chemistry and physics depends strongly on their academic major. Furthermore, MANOVA provided evidence for a small gender effect on motivation for either chemistry or physics learning. The implications of the current study for effective tailor-made educational practice and research across different science disciplines are critically discussed.

Measurement of Oral Medicine Learning Motivation in Dental Students Using Indonesian Version of Science Motivation Questionnaire II (SMQ-II)

Objective: To assess the learning motivation level in Oral Medicine (OM) among Universitas Indonesia dental students. Material and Methods: This research used an analytic-descriptive study with a cross-sectional design by gathering data directly from total population of Universitas Indonesia dental students. Participants were divided into three groups based on curriculum: G1: pre-clinical who have not had OM, G2: pre-clinical who had taken OM, and G3: clinical years. Data gathering was using Science Motivation Questionnaire II (SMQ-II), which include five motivation components: intrinsic motivation, self-efficacy, self-determination, grade motivation and career motivation . Results: The response rate of this study was 96.6% (743 subjects). The Intraclass Correlation Coefficient of 0.941 indicated good internal consistency. In discriminant validity test, grade motivation and career motivation of pre-clinical groups showed no significant difference. Among three, G3 acquired the highest mean score for highly motivated groups (67.27), followed by G2 (65.89), ended by G1 (62.54). The highest mean score for overall motivation, acquired by G3 . Conclusion: Clinical years group have the highest motivation level to learn in Oral Medicine.

Literasi Saintifik Berdasarkan Kecerdasan Majemuk dan Motivasi Belajar

Burhān al-Dīn al-Nu’mān ibn Ibrōhīm al-Zarnūjī in his treatise entitled “Ta'līm al-Muta'allim Ṭorīq al-Ta'allum” informed that the academic achievement has six things dependency: ingenious acumen, fervent desire, resilience, sufficent sustenance, guidance of a teacher, and length of time. Based on this perspective, we was empirically tested students scientific literacy through correlational research. In particular, first, multiple intelligences was examined based on Multiple Intelligences Survey (MIS). Second, science learning motivation was explored used Science Motivation Questionnaire II (SMQ-II). Third, scientific literacy was tested that focused on competence domain and environmental content. The participants of the study were 128 students in Kabupaten Kudus choosen by random sampling technique. We used Pearson r to elaborate relation of scientific literacy with each type of multiple intelligences nor component of science learning motivation. It reveals that naturalistic intelligence and self-efficacy has strong correlation with scientific literacy. The findings suggest that it is important to facilitate students’ intelligence and motivations to guide them on achieving scientific literacy.

Online Assessment of Scientific Reasoning Skills and Motivation to Learn Science among Grade 5 and 7 Students in Northern Namibia

This study aimed to assess students’ scientific reasoning skills using an online assessment method and explore the relationship between their reasoning skills and motivation to learn science. Research participants were 270 Grade 5 and 346 Grade 7 students in the Oshana region of Namibia. The online reasoning skills test consisted of 36 items with 16 tasks assessing conservation, proportional, correlational and probabilistic reasoning, and logical operations in a science context. The five point Likert scale Science Motivation Questionnaire II consisted of 25 items with five subscales. Tasks were developed within and delivered by the eDia platform via the Internet. The reliability of the reasoning skills test was acceptable (Cronbach’s alpha=.74), and it was very good for the Science Motivation Questionnaire (Cronbach’s alpha=.91). The reasoning skill tasks were moderately difficult for the students: M=40.56%; SD=13.47%. One-parameter Rasch analyses showed that there were few items to differentiate students at the low skill levels. Task analysis showed major obstacles in students’ reasoning skills for science learning. Students reported that they were moderately motivated to learn science. A weak correlation was found between the tested scientific reasoning skills and motivation to learn science (r=.21, p<.01). The study suggests that the basic ICT infrastructures in Namibian schools should be improved to exploit the advantages of online assessment.

Assessing science motivation among high school students participating in a supplemental science programme: the Emerging Scholars Environmental Health Sciences Academy

ABSTRACTMotivation to learn science plays an important role in the persistence, achievement, and career aspirations of students studying science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Several studies have focused on how supplemental summer programmes build science motivation in undergraduate STEM students, but few studies have focused on how such programmes build motivation in high school students. This study assessed how the Emerging Scholars Environmental Health Sciences Academy, a supplemental summer science programme for public high school students in Louisiana, Alabama, and Florida in the southern United States, influenced participants’ science motivation, as measured by the Science Motivation Questionnaire II (SMQII). The SMQII assesses five motivation factors for learning science: intrinsic motivation, self-determination, self-efficacy, career motivation, and grade motivation. Participants (n = 45) completed the SMQII before and after completing the academy, which allowed students to learn, apply, and experience environmental health science. Results indicated a statistically significant increase in motivation to learn science among participants, particularly for self-determination and career motivation. Inquiry-based learning, individual mentoring, and exposure to environmental health careers may explain why the academy was effective in positively influencing participants’ self-determination and career motivation. Finally, practical lessons learned for implementing a supplemental science programme for high school students are provided.

‘SCIENCE MOTIVATION’ ANALYSIS OF ELEMENTARY STUDENTS

Based on the results of the PISA study in 2015 the level of science education in Indonesia has increased but not all regions have been surveyed properly. The low education in Demak Regency and the low interest of students in science subjects indicates the lack of student motivation towards science. The focus of this research is to find out the results of the analysis of Science Motivation of fifth grade elementary school students in Mijen District, Demak Regency on the Value of Career aspect. This research was conducted at public elementary schools in Mijen sub-district, Demak Regency. The population of this research is the fifth grade students of the 2018/2019 school year with a total sample of 198 students. The method used in this study consisted of observation and questionnaire questionnaire. Using a questionnaire instrument adapted from the SMQ (Science Motivation Questionnaire). Based on the results of the study it can be concluded that Science Motivation of fifth grade elementary school students in Mijen District, Demak Regency in the Value of Career aspect is categorized in the "High" criteria (9.1).

EVALUATION, VALIDATION AND MODIFICATION OF SCIENCE MOTIVATION QUESTIONNAIRE FOR UPPER SECONDARY SCHOOL

Motivation to learn a school subject is crucial for achieving knowledge and skills and, consequently, for good academic performance in the subject. There are several approved questionnaires dedicated to assessing motivation for science and biology but none for upper secondary school Czech students. Therefore, existing Science Motivation Questionnaire was evaluated, validated and modified in order to create a Czech version of a Biology motivation questionnaire (BMQ). The original version of the questionnaire had 30 questions, arranged in the following subscales: Internal Motivation, External Motivation, Personal Relevance, Responsibility, Self-efficacy and Anxiety. Validation was based on a survey of 517 upper secondary school Czech students. Analysis of the questionnaires revealed that, although the questionnaire could be used as a whole with satisfactory Cronbach alpha values, the underlying constructs in the Czech version were different from the six ones originally suggested. Based on Exploratory Factor Analysis and Structural Equation Modelling, 14 questions retained in three constructs: a) Self–efficacy, b) Responsibility and c) Motivation as a combination of Internal Motivation, External Motivation and Personal Relevance. This shorter version of the BMQ showed satisfactory Goodness of Fit Indices in contrast to the original 30-item version. Keywords: biology motivation questionnaire, questionnaire modification, EFA, secondary school students.

An Exploratory Study of Middle School Students' Motivation in Science: Comparing a STEM Education Program in Korea and the USA

This exploratory study is aimed at exploring the validity of the Science Motivation Questionnaire (SMQ) developed for university students, to measure the science motivation of middle school students and analyze the differences on gender and country factors of SMQ. A total of 371 students participated in this study: 171 middle school students from the USA and 200 secondary students from Korea. All participants were enrolled in the STEM program and activities in Utah, USA (for US students) and at a Korean university institute for gifted and talented students (for Korean students). In this study, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses and latent mean analysis were used to analyze the gender and country differences. The results indicated that the 25 items of SMQ scale were theoretically meaningful and valid for middle school students. The latent mean difference by gender indicated that male students have higher intrinsic motivation, career motivation, grade motivation, and self-determination than female students. Moreover, a significant difference exists in these factors between the two countries. Further findings reveal that Korean students scored higher than US students in terms of the aforementioned factors. This study will provide significant insights in and contribution to science motivation issues in STEM education and the development of design-based engineering programs.

A LONGITUDINAL TRAJECTORY OF SCIENCE LEARNING MOTIVATION IN KOREAN HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

This research examined longitudinal trajectories of Korean students’ motivation to learn science using group-based trajectory modeling (GBTM). The changes in five motivational constructs were focused in this research: self-efficacy, intrinsic motivation, grade motivation, self-determination, and career motivation. In addition, the relationship between academic track of students and each trajectory group was examined. Using Science Motivation Questionnaire II, data from 255 male high school students were collected during five semesters. Longitudinal data were analyzed by GBTM.. Chi-square analysis was also conducted to examine the relationships between academic track and each trajectory. As a result, it was found that students shared the same trajectory patterns in self-efficacy. Otherwise, two distinct trajectory groups (‘high’ and ‘low’) were found in each four constructs. There were significant correlations between academic track and trajectory groups. The findings of this research suggest that Korean science educators need to consider individual student’s longitudinal trajectory of motivation to provide better science teaching and learning. Keywords: academic track, group based trajectory modeling, high school, longitudinal study, science learning motivation.