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Investigating the Impact of Learning Motivational Factors on Problem-Solving Ability: The Mediating Role of Critical
Shima Bordbar1, Amin Beigzadeh2, Salman Daneshi3
1Health Human Resources Research Center School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences Shiraz Iran.
Health Science Reports
|May 1, 2026
Summary
Enhancing learning motivation and critical thinking skills significantly improves students' problem-solving abilities. These factors are crucial for academic success and skill development in higher education.
Area of Science:
- Educational Psychology
- Cognitive Science
- Medical Education
Background:
- Problem-solving is a complex cognitive process requiring specific skills and predispositions.
- Understanding the factors influencing problem-solving is essential for effective educational strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of learning motivation on problem-solving skills among university students.
- To examine the mediating role of critical thinking in the relationship between learning motivation and problem-solving.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 290 students from Jiroft University of Medical Sciences.
- Data collected via standard questionnaires on learning motivation, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
- Statistical analysis included descriptive tests and structural equation modeling (Smart PLS3, SPSS-23).
Main Results:
- Learning motivation positively influenced both problem-solving (β=0.52, p=0.001) and critical thinking (β=0.59, p<0.001).
- Critical thinking significantly enhanced problem-solving skills (β=0.63, p<0.001).
- Learning motivation was found to improve problem-solving indirectly through critical thinking (p<0.001).
Conclusions:
- Elevated learning motivation and robust critical thinking skills are key determinants of effective problem-solving in students.
- Universities should prioritize initiatives to foster learning motivation and provide critical thinking training to enhance students' problem-solving capabilities.
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