Measuring Strength of Motivation for Medical School
Marja G H Nieuwhof1,2, Olle ThJ Ten Cate1, Paul Oosterveld1
1a University Medical Center Utrecht, School of Medical Sciences.
Medical Education Online
|March 3, 2017
Summary
The Strength of Motivation for Medical School (SMMS) questionnaire is a reliable tool for assessing student motivation. It can help evaluate medical school selection processes and identify key motivational factors.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education Research
- Psychometrics
- Student Motivation
Background:
- Student motivation is crucial for pursuing medical training.
- Variability in motivation impacts academic success and career longevity.
- A validated instrument is needed to quantify motivation for medical school.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the psychometric properties of the Strength of Motivation for Medical School (SMMS) questionnaire.
- To determine the reliability and validity of the SMMS in measuring student motivation.
- To explore the SMMS's utility in the context of medical school admissions.
Main Methods:
- The SMMS questionnaire was developed iteratively.
- The instrument was administered to medical students (N=296) and potential applicants (N=147).
- Reliability (Cronbach's alpha=.79, test-retest=.71) and validity were assessed, including associations with application plans and item judgments.
Main Results:
- The SMMS demonstrated good internal consistency and test-retest reliability.
- Motivation scores showed a negative correlation with ambivalence towards studying.
- SMMS scores significantly correlated with applicants' intentions to apply to medical school.
Conclusions:
- The SMMS questionnaire is a reliable and valid measure of motivation for medical training.
- The instrument can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of medical school selection procedures.
- The SMMS may aid in identifying motivational variables relevant for student selection.
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