Academic Motivation Levels of Secondary School Student s and Their Attitudes towards a Social Studies Course

Abstract

The present study aims to reveal the motivation levels of secondary school students and their attitudes
towards a Social Studies course. This study employed a mixed method approach. The quantitative data
were collected through the use of an “Academic Motiv ation Scale” and an “Attitude Scale for a Social
Studies Course”. The qualitative data were obtained through a structured interview. Four hundred and
forty three secondary school students participated in the quantitative part of the study, while fourty fiv e
secondary school students participated in the qualitative part of the study. The results of the quantitative
section are given in two separate parts: a motivation scale, and an attitude scale. A significant difference
was observed in the introjected regu lation levels of male secondary school students. The scores for
identified regulation and motivation were in favor of female students. There was no difference in the
motivation scores according to the socio economic levels of the students. However, the mot ivation levels
of the students decreased as the grade level increased. The attitudes of participants towards the Social
Studies course did not differ according to both gender and grade level of the participants. According to
the school variable, a differen ce was observed between schools with a low socio economic status and
those with high socio economic status. The qualitative data revealed a majority of students had positive
attitudes towards the Social Studies course. Furthermore, the factors that enhance student motivation
towards the Social Studies course were found to be related to the study of History, having an interest in
the course, and the way the course is taught.