Constructing a Scale to assess the Research Motivation among Graduate Students at the University of Jorda

Abstract

Abstract:

This study aimed to develop a scale to measure the level of research motivation among graduate students at the University of Jordan and to investigate whether research motivation differs according to gender, program type, and faculty type. The sample consisted of 207 randomly selected graduate students, including 52 males and 155 females enrolled in master's and doctoral programs across scientific, humanities, and health faculties. A research motivation scale was developed based on the Guttman scaling method, consisting of 40 items. The psychometric properties of the scale were verified: the internal consistency reliability (Cronbach’s Alpha) was 0.943, and the Guttman reproducibility coefficient was 0.894, which is close to the ideal value of 0.90. Additionally, Jackson’s reproducibility coefficient was 0.80, exceeding the benchmark value of 0.70. The Guttman scalability coefficient was 0.923. Results indicated that the overall level of research motivation was moderate, with a mean score of 2.8. Statistically significant differences were found based on the degree variable (master’s vs. doctoral). However, no significant differences were observed in research motivation based on gender or faculty type (scientific, humanities, or health).