A study of the relationship between the study process, motivation resources, and motivation problems of nursing students in different educational systems

Abstract

Background: The study process is related to students' learning approaches and styles. Motivation resources and problems determine students' internal, external, and negative motivation. Analyzing the study process and motivation of students yields important indications about the nature of educational systems in higher education. Objectives: This study aims to analyze the relationship between the study process, and motivation resources and problems with regard to nursing students in different educational systems in Turkey and to reveal their effects according to a set of variables. Design: This is a descriptive, cross-sectional and correlational study. Settings: Traditional, integrated and problem-based learning (PBL) educational programs for nurses involving students from three nursing schools in Turkey. Participants: Nursing students (n = 330). Methods: The data were collected using the Study Process Questionnaire (R-SPQ-29 and the Motivation Resources and Problems (MRP) Scale. Results: A statistically significant difference was found between the scores on the study process scale, and motivation resources and problems scale among the educational systems. This study determined that the mean scores of students in the PBL system on learning approaches, intrinsic motivation and negative motivation were higher. A positive significant correlation was found between the scales. Conclusions: The study process, and motivation resources and problems were found to be affected by the educational system. This study determined that the PBL educational system more effectively increases students' intrinsic motivation and helps them to acquire learning skills. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.