The Role of Motivational Strategies in Prediction of Grade Point Average Among Students of Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences

Abstract

Background: Motivational strategies are important determinants in students’ academic achievement. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the role of motivational strategies in prediction of grade point average (GPA) among university students. Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study recruited 300 students of Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences. Sampling was done by simple random sampling with probability proportional to size in each faculty. Participants filled out a self-administered questionnaire including the motivational strategies components, GPA status, and background variable. Data were analyzed in SPSS-16 using Pearson’s correlation and linear regression. Results: The participants’ age ranged 18 to 29 with a mean of 21.08 ± 1.26 years. GPA was significantly associated with the motivational strategies (r = 0.137 and P = 0.026). The motivational strategies components accounted for 9% of the variation in the outcome measure of the GPA. Extrinsic goal orientations (beta = 0.279 and P < 0.001) and test anxiety (beta = -0.287 and P < 0.001) were the best predictors of GPA. Conclusions: Based on our results, planning educational programs to increase extrinsic goal orientation and reduce the test anxiety may be enhancing GPA among university students.