Significant Path Coefficients Research Articles

Academic integrity and the use of ChatGPT by EFL pre-service teachers

Academic integrity has been at the centre of the discussion of the adoption of Chat GPT by academics in their research. This study explored how academic integrity mitigates the desire to use ChatGPT in academic tasks by EFL Pre-service teachers, in consideration of the time factor, perceived peer influence, academic self-effectiveness, and self-esteem. The study utilized web-based questionnaires to elicit data from 300 EFL Pre-service teachers across educational fields drawn from different schools across the world. Analysis was conducted using relevant statistical measures to test the projected four hypotheses. The findings provide evidence in support of Hypothesis 1, with a statistically significant path coefficient (β) of 0.442, a t-value of 3.728, and a p-value of 0.000. The hypothesis acceptance implies that when academic integrity improves, the impact of the time-saving aspect of the use of ChatGPT Across educational fields study decreases. This suggests that EFL Pre-service teachers who have a firm dedication to academic honesty are less influenced by the tempting appeal of ChatGPT’s time-saving features, highlighting the ethical factors that influence their decision-making. The data also provide support for Hypothesis 2, indicating a substantial inverse relationship with a path coefficient (β) of 0.369, a t-value of 5.629, and a p-value of 0.001. These findings indicate that stronger adherence to academic integrity is linked to a diminished effect of colleagues on the choice to use ChatGPT in Academic tasks. The results suggest that a firm dedication to academic honesty serves as a protective barrier against exogenous pressures or influences from colleagues when it comes to embracing cutting-edge technology. However, in general, these findings revealed there was a negative association between academically related factors (e.g., time factor, sense of peer pressure, language study self-confidence, and academic language competence), as well as an attitude toward adoption of ChatGPT and commitment towards academic integrity.

On the journey from cognizance toward thriving: Iranian EFL teachers’ engagement in reflective practice and professional development: the mediating effect of teacher mindfulness

ABSTRACT This study investigated the crucial role of teaching in society and the inquiry into effective teaching qualities. It underscored the prominence of mindfulness in teaching, as well as the ongoing process of reflective practice within the realm of EFL educators. The research aimed to create a model illuminating the relationships between EFL teachers’ reflective practice, teacher mindfulness, and professional development. It also delved into the mediating role of teacher mindfulness in this context. To attain this research objective, a convenience sampling method was utilized, leading to the selection of 150 EFL teachers from private language institutions across different provinces in Iran. Employing a quantitative methodology three distinct questionnaires were utilized to gather data. Subsequently, the information was examined through the application of Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The structural model evaluation indicated significant path coefficients reinforcing all research hypotheses, with mindfulness functioning as a significant mediator between reflective practice and professional development. It is implied that there is a conspicuous emphasis on integrating mindfulness and reflective practices into educational policies and curricula to cultivate continuous growth and development among teachers.

A cluster-randomized controlled trial of a teacher-coaching intervention: a pilot study aimed at supporting classroom climate and student development

ABSTRACT This pilot study examined the utility of a practice-based coaching (PBC) intervention in Swedish elementary schools designed to support the classroom climate and benefit students. The intervention involved activities, self-assessment, observation, and coaching to the teachers, with the aim of improving the classroom climate and students’ self-concept, prosocial behavior, well-being, and academic achievement. The design was a cluster randomized trial with the school as the assignment unit. Participants in the intervention were 66 students in four classes, and in the control, four classes with 77 students. The duration of the intervention was five months. An autoregressive structural equation model was estimated. The correlations between the latent variables at pre-test ranged from low to high. There were significant standardized path coefficients concerning all the latent variables pre- and post-test. The estimates of the intervention at the post-test were non-significant. The results suggested a longer duration of the intervention with more frequent coaching sessions, which may enhance its effect.

A new challenge in accounting education: convergence of maturity model, education and evaluation in accounting

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to propose a framework for the convergence of maturity model and education and evaluation in accounting.Design/methodology/approachThe present research was conducted in two phases. In the first phase, to determine the indicators of convergence of the maturity model and education and evaluation in accounting, a Meta-Synthesis method was used. The conceptual model includes two dimensions of “Teaching and learning processes” and “Evaluation methods"; five levels of initial, repeatable, defined, managed and optimized; and a total number of 35 indicators. In the second phase, a questionnaire was developed, and academics as accounting faculty members in Iranian public universities were employed to fill out the questionnaire electronically and present a final framework. Having received the questionnaires, 66 questionnaires were analyzed statistically.FindingsThe results showed that the two dimensions of “Teaching and learning processes” and “Evaluation methods” considering initial, repeatable, defined, managed and optimized levels include 35 indicators, which form a framework for the convergence of maturity model and education and evaluation in accounting. The results show that both dimensions have positive and significant regression path coefficients in the convergence model. Moreover, the dimension of teaching and learning processes has the highest regression path coefficient indicating a greater impact on the convergence model. Besides, all five levels have positive and significant regression path coefficients with dimensions. Finally, in this study, all indicators were prioritized according to five levels.Originality/valueDue to the success of maturity models and the urgent developments that require transformative improvements in accounting education, maturity models can respond to the challenges associated with education and learning in accounting. Thus, conceiving an image of the convergence of maturity model, education and evaluation in accounting seems imperative which has been scarcely investigated previously.

Impact of Urban built-up volume on Urban environment: A Case of Jakarta

In this paper, the spatial patterns of urban form (e.g., 2D and 3D characteristics) from 2000 to 2020 in Jakarta are assessed and the interdependent relationships between urban built-up volume and urban environment are examined. Jakarta experienced rapid urban built-up land expansion of 19 %, from 483 km2 in 2000 to 574 km2 in 2020 but with moderate urban built-up volumetric expansion at 4 %, from 23.6 × 108 m3 in 2000 to 24.5 × 108 m3 in 2020. The inverse S-shaped function revealed that urban land density declined from the city center to surrounding areas in Jakarta. Urban built-up area expanded outward at a much faster rate than upward, reflected by the D value, i.e., the radius of the central city area. The D value remained around 17 km from 2000 to 2020 for 3D but grew substantially from 28 km to 50 km for 2D during the same period. Furthermore, structural equation model (SEM) analysis showed that, while increases in urban built-up volume are associated with increases in urban green space, with a path coefficient of 0.620, they also are linked with worsening air pollution and urban heat islands, with statistically significant path coefficients of 0.304 and 0.440, respectively.

Innovative Research on the Volunteer Service Work of College Students’ Civilization Practice in the Context of the New Era

Abstract This study explores how motivation and incentives impact college students’ volunteer service within civil practices. Utilizing a factor analysis data model, we constructed factor loadings for volunteer service work, rotated the factor matrix, and estimated the correlation coefficients of factors using regression methods. Our “motivation-incentive” analytical model frames this research, alongside proposed hypotheses. Descriptive analysis of the sample confirmed these hypotheses. Results reveal a significant path coefficient of 0.224 (p < 0.001) for engagement on continued volunteering willingness, underscoring engagement’s positive influence. Furthermore, positive emotions in volunteering motivation significantly correlate with engagement and sustained service willingness (coefficients: 0.315, 0.745, 0.269; p < 0.01), serving as a mediator. This study elucidates the mechanisms of influence in volunteer work, offering theoretical guidance for enhancing college students’ participation in civilized practice volunteer services.

How do privacy concerns impact actual adoption of central bank digital currency? An investigation using the e-CNY in China

<abstract> <p>Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDC) are being researched in academia and piloted by central banks around the world. Initial research highlights the importance of privacy concerns on adoption intention in CBDC. We took one step further and investigated the link between privacy concerns and adoption using the Chinese CBDC and digitalized version of the Yuan, the e-CNY. We integrated and applied the established Antecedent Privacy Concerns and Outcomes (APCO) model with the Task-Technology Fit model in a quantitative online-questionnaire with 682 Chinese participants to study the influence of privacy concerns on CBDC usage. The data was analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to identify significant path coefficients and effects in the developed model. The findings demonstrated that several antecedents significantly influenced privacy concerns, which in turn influenced e-CNY usage. In particular, perceived vulnerabilities impacted privacy concerns, while soft and hart trust factors were found to neither impact concerns or usage. When compared to prior research, the distinction between intention to use and usage of CBDC, under consideration of privacy concerns, seemed to be negligible. The often discussed 'privacy-paradox' could not be observed for CBDC. Observed differences in antecedents and other factors may have been due to cultural, political, and demographic factors, as well as different CBDC design choices. For practitioners, the results further emphasized the need for a privacy-friendly implementation of retail CBDC, which efficiently communicated user benefits while rebutting perceived vulnerabilities.</p> </abstract>

Spatial-temporal variations and drivers of the compound dry-hot event in China

Compound extremes such as compound dry-hot events (CDHEs) have received more attention in the last decade due to their more devastating impacts than those caused by droughts or heatwaves separately. A daily-resolution CDHE index, i.e., compound dry-hot index daily (CDHId), based on the copula and conditional probability is proposed to identify dry and hot days to quantify the CDHE severity. Standardized precipitation index (SPI), standardized temperature index (STI), and CDHId are used to explore the spatial-temporal variations of droughts, heatwaves, and CDHEs in China from 1961 to 2020. Results show that CDHEs occurred more frequently after the period from the late 1970s to the early 1980s. Northeast China, Southwest China, and the Tibetan Plateau witnessed the most significant increases in CDHEs. CDHEs are further classified into two types based on the sequential order of the drought and heatwave occurrence, and the drought-preceded CDHEs accounted for 85.2% of all events, indicating that CDHEs were more likely to be induced by antecedent dry conditions. Stronger land-atmosphere coupling was observed both prior to and during CDHEs compared to periods under non-dry-hot conditions, which played a major role in the formation of CDHE at the local and short-time scale. However, the annual variation of CDHE frequency in multi-decades was dominated by heatwaves, with a more significant direct path coefficient than droughts over China. Overall, the increase and enhancement of CDHEs since the early 1980s were consistent with global warming.

To be a cyborg or not: exploring the mechanisms between digital literacy and neural implant acceptance

PurposeThis research aims to reveal the working principles of the decision mechanism that affects the use of neural implant acceptance and to discuss the leading role of digital literacy in this mechanism. In addition, it aimed to examine the theoretical connections of the research model with the conservation of resources (COR) and technology acceptance model (TAM) theories in the discussion.Design/methodology/approachThe authors collected data from 300 individuals in an organization operating in the health sector and analyzed the data in the Smart Partial Least Squares (PLS) 3.3.3. This way, the authors determined the relationships between the variables, the path coefficients and the significance levels.FindingsThe study has found that strong digital literacy skills are linked to positive emotions and attitudes. Additionally, maintaining a positive mindset can improve one's understanding of ethics. Ethical attitudes and positive emotions can also increase the likelihood of adopting neural implants. Therefore, it is crucial to consider both technical and ethical concerns and emotions when deciding whether to use neural implants.Originality/valueThe research results determined the links between the cognitive, emotional and ethical factors in the cyborgization process of the employees and gave original insights to the managers and employees.HighlightsDetermination of antecedents that affect individuals' acceptance of neural implant use.Application to 300 individuals working in a health organization.Path analysis using the least squares method via Smart PLS 3.3.3Significant path coefficients among digital literacy, positive emotions, attitude, ethical understanding and acceptance of neural implant use.

Recovery Capital Gains May Precede Craving Reduction in Opioid Use Disorder.

Cravings for drugs and alcohol have been significantly associated with worse treatment outcomes. We investigated if improvements in recovery capital (RC) (eg, a measure of social capital/network, financial resources, education, and cultural factors) over time were associated with decreased reported cravings. The original cohort consisted of 133 participants (63 females) with opioid use disorder seeking outpatient treatment, who completed the Assessment of Recovery Capital (ARC) (range 0 to 50) and the Brief Addiction Monitor (BAM) thrice over the 6-month study. Intervention was medication and case management. Analysis included one-way mixed models testing change over time for ARC total scores and single question craving rating (5-point Likert scale). Cross-lagged panel estimates used structural equation models with variables z-scored, allowing for path coefficient evaluation as standard deviations (sd). Total ARC significantly increased over the study (χ2 = 33.77, df = 2, p < 0.0001), with baseline of 36.6 (n = 114, sd = 11.1) and 6-month of 41.2 (n = 107, sd = 9.5). Craving also changed significantly (χ2 = 8.51, df = 2, p < 0.015), with baseline of 1.1 (n = 101, sd = 1.2) and 6-month of 0.9 (n = 107, sd = 1.1). The cross-lag from baseline RC to 3-month craving was significant (β = -0.28, SE = 0.11, z = -2.53, p < 0.011). The converse was not true; baseline craving did not affect later RC. Results were similarly significant when comparing 3-month to 6-month. The majority of sample was on buprenorphine. As RC improves, the reported cravings at both 3- and 6-month study time points are significantly reduced. When evaluated inversely, there was not a significant association with baseline cravings and follow-up RC. Significant path coefficients provide an estimation of a directional effect from increased RC towards craving reduction.

The Effect of Human Resource Practices on Hotel Performance during Crisis: A Case Study of Star-Rated Hotels in Mombasa, Kenya

Purpose: Star-rated hotels play a pivotal role in the global economy, contributing significantly to international tourism, job creation, and fostering cross-cultural exchanges. These establishments are luxurious havens and symbols of excellence and diplomacy, promoting economic growth and development, attracting foreign investment, and serving as ambassadors of local culture. In Kenya, star-rated hotels are essential contributors to the national economy, promoting sustainability and wildlife conservation. While these hotels have traditionally thrived due to Kenya's vibrant tourism sector, the industry faces an ever-present threat of crises. Therefore, this study, anchored in the Resource-Based View (RBV) theory analyzed the effect of human resource practices on the performance of hotels in Mombasa County during crises.&#x0D; Methodology: This research employed a Covariance-Based Structural Equation Modeling (CB-SEM) approach, well-suited for assessing direct and indirect associations among observed and latent constructs. The study utilized an ex post facto research design to investigate the impact of specific Human Resource Management (HRM) practices on the performance of star-rated hotels in Mombasa County, Kenya, particularly during crises. Structured questionnaires were meticulously administered to 198 management staff members working within star-rated hotels in Mombasa County. This population was chosen due to its critical role in hotel operations, allowing the research to gain comprehensive insights into the relationships under examination. The response rate, approximately 90%, was considered practical and representative of questionnaire-based research. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential analysis techniques and presented in tabular format.&#x0D; Findings: The study indicated that Talent Retention and Training exhibited a statistically significant positive effect on hotel performance, with a substantial path coefficient of 0.619. Crisis Communication and Leadership also contributed significantly to hotel performance, showcasing a positive and statistically significant path coefficient of 0.355. On the other hand, Resource Management and Adaptability did not exhibit a statistically significant direct relationship with hotel performance, as indicated by a non-significant path coefficient (p = 0.607). The robust positive relationships discovered between Talent Retention and Training, Crisis Communication and Leadership, and hotel performance align harmoniously with previous research findings. These results underscore the critical roles these factors play within the hospitality industry. Investments in talent management and effective crisis management strategies are vital for a hotel's success. The non-significant relationship between Resource Management and Adaptability and hotel performance challenges conventional wisdom but emphasizes the importance of considering the specific contextual nuances.&#x0D; Recommendations: In conclusion, the study demonstrates that Talent Retention and Training, as well as Crisis Communication and Leadership, significantly contribute to the performance of star-rated hotels in Mombasa County, Kenya. These findings underline the need for hoteliers to prioritize investments in talent management, crisis management, and leadership skills. While the relationship between resource management, adaptability, and hotel performance appears more complex, further research is required to unearth any potential indirect effects or contextual nuances.

Socioeconomic status and health literacy as the important predictors of general health in Iran: a structural equation modeling approach

&#x0D; Background: We aimed to determine the level of health literacy (HL), and its association with general health. In addition, we investigated the direct and indirect association of socioeconomic status (SES) and general health among the adult population in Iran.&#x0D; Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 750 literate adults' people. The SES was assessed based on the owning of assets. HL was evaluated using a validated questionnaire in Iran. General health was assessed using the WHO general health questionnaire. The simple and adjusted linear regression models, and structural equation modeling (SEM) were used for data analysis.&#x0D; Results: In adjusted model, female gender, higher level of education, use of books, pamphlets, or brochures as a source of health information, the higher level of SES were positively associated with higher HL. In addition, the HL was significantly associated with higher scores of general health. Results of SEM showed that the direct effect of SES on general health was not significant, but the indirect effect via HL was significant (path coefficient: 0.24; p&lt;0.001).&#x0D; Conclusion: Results of our study indicated HL is strongly associated with general health among the adult population. SES had a significant indirect association with general health via the effect on health literacy.&#x0D;

Exploring the Students' Perceived Effectiveness of Online Education during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Empirical Analysis Using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM).

The world faced COVID-19, which was a threat to public health and disturbed the educational system and economic stability. Educational institutes were closed for a longer period, and students faced difficulty to complete their syllabus. The government adopted a policy of "suspending classes without stopping learning" to continue education activities. However, student satisfaction with online education is a growing concern. Satisfaction of students is an important indicator of academic quality. Therefore, this study attempts to investigate the influencing factors behind learning satisfaction using information from 335 students from various institutes in Pakistan. This research examined the impact of computer and internet knowledge, instructor and course material, and Learning Management Systems (LMS) on learning satisfaction. The path coefficients were obtained via Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The LMS is a tool that facilitates the learning process with the provision of all types of educational material. The path coefficient was more in the case of LMS (0.489), which indicates its positive and significant role to attain learning satisfaction. The instructor and course material ordered second (0.261), which shows that the quality of an instructor and course material also plays a positive role to attain learning satisfaction. The computer and internet are essential ingredients of online education, showing a significant and positive path coefficient (0.123), implying that computer and internet knowledge could enhance learning satisfaction. The universities should develop their LMS to implement online education with quality course materials. It is also vital that the instructor should be up to date with modern learning techniques while ensuring internet connectivity, especially in rural areas. The government should provide an internet connection to students at discounted rates.

Measuring Communicative Intentions and Capabilities: Learners’ English Proficiency as a Supplement to Willingness to Communicate

In this study, we attempted to measure English learners’ communicative intentions and capabilities (CIC) by adding their English proficiency to their willingness to communicate (WTC) as a predictor of the learners’ English use. In the context of communicative language teaching (CLT), learners’ WTC is considered the key to linking important learner factors such as self-perceived competence, anxiety, and motivation. Given that WTC only accounts for learners’ communicative intentions, we hypothesized that learners’ communicative capabilities (i.e., language proficiency) would be a meaningful addition to measuring overall CIC. To test this hypothesis, we collected a total of 67 samples (N = 17,811) and conducted an analysis using a metaanalytic structural equation modeling (MASEM) approach. The results indicated that the learners’ overall CIC successfully predicted their English use, with a significant path coefficient (β = .525, p = .02). Furthermore, we found that the size of the direct contributions of perceived competence and motivation became non-significantly marginal (ps &gt; .05), indicating that adding learners’ proficiency to the WTC to measure the overall CIC can improve the overall explanatory power of the MASEM model to predict learners’ English use.

Mismatches in the ecosystem services-wellbeing nexus: a case study for Chilean Patagonia

ABSTRACT The supply of ecosystem services (ES) is commonly assumed to be linked to human wellbeing within socio-ecological systems. However, these linkages are seldom assessed using quantitative approaches at large scales and low spatial resolution. Here, we investigated the complex bidirectional linkages between ES supply and material wellbeing (income) using data from 382,199 rural properties in 178 municipalities from Chilean Patagonia. We assessed two model groups using structural equation modeling (SEM), wherein the first group assumed an impact of ES supply on wellbeing and the second postulated the opposite impact, with wellbeing affecting ES supply. For each group we run a separate SEM per ES category (i.e. provisioning, regulating, and cultural), making a total of six SEM analyzed. We found that neither model group was significantly stronger than the other, as the linkage between ES supply and material wellbeing was not significant in any model. Each model differed notably in their significant path coefficients, with models for cultural and regulating ES showing a better fit than for provisioning ES. We therefore assert that previously assumed links between ES and material wellbeing do not necessarily hold at larger spatial scales and in contexts where rural economies are more diverse and less dependent on natural capital. Understanding ES supply-wellbeing dynamics and how they vary across spatial and temporal scales is important for fostering sustainable socio-ecological systems.

IMPACT OF SPIRITUAL WELLBEING ON HEALTH PROMOTING LIFESTYLES IN CORONARY HEART DISEASE PATIENTS: MEDIATING ROLE OF PERCEIVED HEALTH STATUS

Objectives: To find out the role spiritual and existential wellbeing in health promoting lifestyles that are mediated through perceived health status in Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) Patients. Methodology: After obtaining approval (reference #331) from Institutional Review Board of the affiliated university as sample of 257 males and 228 females consecutive CHD patients (age range 18-65 years; M = 47.56, SD = 2.30) meeting the inclusion criteria were recruited in the study. Patients who suffered from strokes or other chronic diseases like hypothyroidism, cancer, liver or renal malfunctioning were excluded from the study. Participants were requested to complete three scales (and a demographic form) that included Spiritual Wellbeing Scale (SWBS), Short Form 12 Health Survey (SF-12HS), and Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile-II (HPLP-II). Data was collected from outdoor patients at a public hospital in Lahore, Pakistan between November 5 and March 31, 2021-22, and correlations were run across constructs using a macro-process (version 3.3) in SPSS (version 26.0). Results: Results indicated that spiritual (religious and existential) wellbeing had a significant direct effect on health promoting lifestyles significant at p &lt; 0.001. Further, results showed a significant direct and indirect path coefficients of physical and mental health components of perceived health status with spiritual, religious, existential wellbeing, and health promoting lifestyles but not for physical functioning and bodily pain, p &gt;0.05. Conclusion: Spirituality and positive health perceptions for cardiac patients can maintain their health through engaging in healthy lifestyles. Study highlighted the importance of adopting such perceptions to relieve cardiac symptoms to avoid further complications.

What Drives Consumers to Use Syariah M-Banking to Purchase E-Money? Integration of UTAUT 2 and Mobile Service Quality

This study investigates what factors persuade consumers to purchase e-money via syariah m-banking applications. Researchers extended the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT 2) to find new information as well as to accommodate the limitations and discussions of previous studies. A purposive sampling technique was adapted to select respondent criteria. The collected data from 120 respondents were analyzed using Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), supported by WarpPLS 8.0, through three main stages of analysis: measurement model, structural model, and hypothesis testing. Additional analysis was undertaken to produce robust findings by explaining multicollinearity, common method bias, and multigroup analysis by categorizing two groups of respondents (male and female). Researchers found that only social influence and hedonic motivation have a significant effect on trust from the UTAUT 2 model. On the other hand, two exogenous constructs in the mobile service quality model proved to have a significant effect on trust, security (privacy), and practicality. Furthermore, the research showed that trust is a fundamental factor in influencing continuance intention because it produces the largest effect size (f-square) and significant path coefficient value. The findings should encourage all Islamic banking stakeholders and practitioners to increase individual trust by creating educational and innovative programs connected with consuming digital banking services, especially e-money purchases.

PENGARUH GAYA KEPEMIMPINAN, EMPATI DAN MOTIVASI TERHADAP BUDAYA ORGANISASI KEPALA SEKOLAH

this study aims to find out whether there is an influence between leadership styles, empathy and motivation on the organizational culture of the principal. Lack of acceptance of new and good values that can change bad behavior patterns for the better, through the influence of organizational culture, leadership style, empathy and motivation. To carry out organizational culture properly will cause high empathy and work motivation. Simultaneously that a leadership style, empathy, high work motivation will be able to improve the work culture of the principal in the organization. To test the hypothetical research, the researcher chose to use quantitative research methods. The processed data was obtained from the results of the questionnaire distributed at SMPN I Panji with a total of 58 correspondents. The types of data required in this study include primary data and secondary data. The data collection technique in this study is to use the Field Research method. Research instruments in the form of questionnaires filled out through the Google Form. The validity test of correlation data includes a normality test and a linearity test. The normality test was performed with the SPSS Version 20 for windows application with the formula One-Sample Kolmogorov-Smirnov Test. The results of the study obtained there is a positive direct influence of leadership style on empathy with a significant path coefficient value of p₂₁ = 0.603. The positive direct influence of leadership style on increasing organizational motivation is indicated by the value of its pathway coefficient which is P₃₁ = 0.852

Understanding the importance of motivational intensity in English as a foreign language context: A structural equation modeling analysis.

Motivational intensity is the effort learners make in language learning. It is an essential component and a direct measurement of L2 motivation. Few studies have distinguished motivational intensity from motivation and explored its role in learning English as a foreign language (EFL). This study examined 208 university students from Hong Kong to investigate the factors that affect motivational intensity and explored the relationship between motivational intensity and learning motivation using structural equation modeling (SEM). The students' motivational intensity was affected by personal factors (daily English-learning time and stage of English learning), family factors (monthly household income and parental attitudes), and school factors (English learning engagement and satisfaction). The differences in personal factors, school factors and monthly household income of family factors among different motivational intensity groups were significant whereas the difference in parental attitudes (family factors) between the high- and the low-motivational intensity groups was insignificant. As for the relationship between motivational intensity and motivation, motivational intensity indirectly affected students' intrinsic interest through their attitudes toward native English speakers (β = 0.16, p = 0.041 < 0.05). The significant path coefficient from the learning situation to attitudes toward native speakers was negative (p < 0.05), indicating that attitudes toward native speakers decline even when the learning situation improves. This study enriched the theoretical study of motivation theory and provided teaching suggestions for improving EFL learning.

Perceived organisational support and university students’ career exploration: the mediation role of career adaptability

ABSTRACT This study examined the extent to which perceived organisational support (POS) predicts career exploration via the mediation effect of career adaptability. Grounded in career construction theory, the study employed an online survey with 611 Chinese undergraduate students. The survey employed POS, career adaptability and career-related exploration scales. Multi-group comparisons explored gender, discipline and place of origin (rural or urban). Although gender and major were moderating variables, there was no significant difference among rural and urban subgroups. There was a direct relationship between POS and career-related exploration via the mediation effect of career adaptability. Male students had higher and statistically significant path coefficients when it came to the relationship between POS and career-related exploration. The effects of POS on career adaptability and career-related exploration differed according to discipline. Humanities and social sciences (HASS) students reported significantly less organisational support than those in science and engineering. POS had negligible influence on career-related exploration among HASS students. The results suggest that assessing students’ POS is an important preliminary step within career development learning. Recommendations include early assessment and discussion of students’ POS and incorporating the concern, control, curiosity and confidence dimensions of career adaptability into career-related interventions.