Correlation between achievement motivation and academic achievement in university students

Aims: Identifying factors that lead to academic achievement and impede academic failure is of special importance. Some studies suggest that there is a direct relationship between achievement motivation and academic achievement; however, some experts doubt their direct relationship. The objective of the present study was to investigate the relationship between achievement motivation and academic achievement. Methods: This descriptive correlation study was performed on 304 students of Kashan University who were selected by simple random sampling during 2007-2008. Data was collected using the Herman's questionnaire of achievement motivation. The mean scores of students were used as an index for academic achievement. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, independent t-test and Pearson correlation coefficient using SPSS 15 software. Results: There was significant relationship between achievement motivation and academic achievement (p=0.001). The mean scores of achievement motivation showed a significant difference between male and female students in a way that the achievement motivation of female students was found to be higher than male students. There was a significant correlation between achievement motivation and age (p=0.05). Conclusion: There is a significant relationship between achievement motivation and academic achievement. In addition, the difference between male and female students is significant regarding their motivation and academic achievement and the achievement motivation and academic achievement of females is higher in female students. In addition, age has correlation with achievement motivation.