Abstract

The Self Determination Theory has identified various types of motivation along a continuum from weakest to strongest. Yet, until recently, no reliable method existed to measure accurately the strength of motivation along this continuum. Vallerand et al. (1992) developed the Academic Motivation Scale (AMS) to measure the validity of the Self Determination Theory in education. This theory identifies three levels of academic motivation – intrinsic, extrinsic and amotivation - which are measured by AMS. The current study assesses the academic motivations of the first year students in a non-profit university using this scale. Statistical procedures such as descriptive statistics, ANOVA and t-tests were used in analyzing data. The differences in gender and differences among various faculties are investigated and results disclosed with relevant recommendations.

Key words: Intrinsic, extrinsic, amotivation, self-determination, academic motivation scale.