Motivation and academic involvement: a study with university students

Abstract The researches suggest that motivation and academic involvement are important variables for the educational context. Thus, the main goal of this research was to investigate the relationship between these constructs. The sample consisted of 406 university students, the majority (81.3%) with ages varying between 20 and 30 years, female (55.2%) and public higher education institutions (70.4%). These answered the Academic Motivation Scale (EMA), the Academic Involvement Scale (EEA) and sociodemographic issues. The results showed a positive and significant correlation between motivation and academic involvement. Differences were also found regarding the sex, the period and area of the course and the involvement with extracurricular activities. These results were discussed in the light of theories of academic involvement and self-determination. It is suggested to carry out new research in order to better understand the variables that influence the motivation and academic involvement of university students.