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Publication details for Dr Richard Remedios

Lieberman, D.A. & Remedios, R. (2007). Do Undergraduates' Motives for Studying Change as they Progress through their Degrees? British Journal of Educational Psychology 77(2): 379-395.

• Publication type: Journal papers: academic
• ISSN/ISBN: 0007-0998
• DOI: 10.1348/000709906X157772
• Keywords: Motivation, Goals, Performance, Mastery, Achievement, Grades.
• View online: Online version
• Durham research online: DRO record

Author(s) from Durham

• Dr Richard Remedios

Abstract

Background
Research has suggested that students can approach their studies with different goals, one goal being to understand material (mastery) and another to obtain better grades than others (performance).
Aim
The main aim of this study was to assess whether these goals change as students progress through their degrees.
Sample
1857 students at a Scottish university.
Methods
Students were asked to complete a questionnaire as they waited to register for their courses. The questionnaire was based on an achievement motivation questionnaire developed by Elliot and McGregor (2001) to assess students' mastery and performance goals; there were also questions on students' expectations about their courses.ResultsStudents in years 2, 3 and 4 were substantially less likely to want to master their subjects than students in year 1. They were also more concerned with grades and less likely to expect to enjoy their courses.
Conclusion
The decline in students' motivation to master their subjects raises potentially important questions about whether pressures for grades undermine students' interest in their studies.

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