Structural Dimensions and Scale Development of Research Motivation among Master's Students in the Humanities and Social Sciences
Saved in:
| Title: | Structural Dimensions and Scale Development of Research Motivation among Master's Students in the Humanities and Social Sciences |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Xiaobin Ren |
| Source: | Studies in Graduate and Postdoctoral Education. 2026 17(2):144-164. |
| Availability: | Emerald Publishing Limited. Howard House, Wagon Lane, Bingley, West Yorkshire, BD16 1WA, UK. Tel: +44-1274-777700; Fax: +44-1274-785201; e-mail: emerald@emeraldinsight.com; Web site: http://www.emerald.com/insight |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 21 |
| Publication Date: | 2026 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | Higher Education Postsecondary Education |
| Descriptors: | Foreign Countries, Graduate Students, Masters Programs, Humanities, Social Science Research, Social Sciences, Student Motivation, Learning Motivation, Student Attitudes, Student Experience, Test Construction, Measures (Individuals), Content Validity, Test Reliability |
| Geographic Terms: | China |
| DOI: | 10.1108/SGPE-05-2024-0048 |
| ISSN: | 2398-4686 |
| Abstract: | Purpose: This study aims to delve into the multidimensional structure of research motivation among master's students in the humanities and social sciences and to develop an accurate tool for measuring their motivational levels. Design/methodology/approach: This study used semistructured in-depth interviews with 21 master's students from the humanities and social sciences. Grounded theory analysis was used to identify key dimensions of research motivation. An initial questionnaire with 24 items was developed based on the findings, which was then revised by experts and master's students. The modified questionnaire was validated among 283 master's students in Chinese universities. Further validation was conducted with 319 samples to assess reliability and model fit. Findings: This study identified five key dimensions of research motivation: subjective norms, self-realization, emotional interest, social interaction and cognitive value. These dimensions were used to construct a research motivation model. The final validated questionnaire, containing 21 items, demonstrated good reliability and model fit, making it a robust tool for assessing research motivation in this specific group. Originality/value: This study contributes to developing a tailored measurement tool of research motivation specifically for master's students in the humanities and social sciences. It provides valuable insights for graduate education stakeholders, including educators, advisors and graduate management departments, by offering a deeper understanding of the motivational factors driving students' research engagement and academic development. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1507536 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | Purpose: This study aims to delve into the multidimensional structure of research motivation among master's students in the humanities and social sciences and to develop an accurate tool for measuring their motivational levels. Design/methodology/approach: This study used semistructured in-depth interviews with 21 master's students from the humanities and social sciences. Grounded theory analysis was used to identify key dimensions of research motivation. An initial questionnaire with 24 items was developed based on the findings, which was then revised by experts and master's students. The modified questionnaire was validated among 283 master's students in Chinese universities. Further validation was conducted with 319 samples to assess reliability and model fit. Findings: This study identified five key dimensions of research motivation: subjective norms, self-realization, emotional interest, social interaction and cognitive value. These dimensions were used to construct a research motivation model. The final validated questionnaire, containing 21 items, demonstrated good reliability and model fit, making it a robust tool for assessing research motivation in this specific group. Originality/value: This study contributes to developing a tailored measurement tool of research motivation specifically for master's students in the humanities and social sciences. It provides valuable insights for graduate education stakeholders, including educators, advisors and graduate management departments, by offering a deeper understanding of the motivational factors driving students' research engagement and academic development. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 2398-4686 |
| DOI: | 10.1108/SGPE-05-2024-0048 |
