Abstract
Background: Academic motivation refers to the processes that influence the initiation, direction and persistence of behavior related to knowledge acquisition and achievement in learning environments A measure named Academic Motivation Scale (AMS) comprising three subscales was developed to assess intrinsic motivation (pursuing a learning activity because of the pleasures and satisfaction derived from the activity itself), extrinsic motivation (engaging in a learning activities because of external reasons), and amotivation (lacking in learning motivation). Objectives: This study aimed to establish the reliability and validity of AMS for the assessment of learning motivation of secondary school students. Methods: A questionnaire comprising items of sociodemographic characteristics, AMS, and criterion measures was designed for data collection. Through convenience sampling, a total of 4827 students (aged between 12 and 18, 53.6% were males) participated in the study. Participation was voluntary and anonymous. Informed consent of students and their parents was solicited before questionnaires were administered. Results: Reliability of the three subscales of AMS were satisfactory (Cronbach’s α = .75 to 95). Construct validity of AMS was indicated by its positive relationships with the three subscales of school well-being, social inclusion, and academic self-concept and global self-esteem. Confirmation of the expected relationships of intrinsic motivation, extrinsic motivation, and amotivation with psychological distress provided further supports for the validity of AMS. Conclusion: Good psychometric properties or the AMS was empirically established in Hong Kong. With its satisfactory reliability and validity, the AMS can be used to assess learning motivation of secondary school students in Hong Kong.
Author Information
Hoi Nga Ng, Sant Francis University, Hong Kong
Kam Weng Boey, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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