Validity and reliability of the Polish version of the Academic Motivation Scale: a measure of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation and amotivation

Abstract

The Academic Motivation Scale (AMS) is a measure of motivation in education. The AMS is based on the self-determination theory, which subdivides motivation into amotivation, extrinsic motivation and intrinsic motivation. The main purpose of this study was to examine the validity and reliability of the Polish version of the AMS and to identify motivation to study of Polish university students. The first sample consisted of 1592 Polish university students (653 males, 939 females) majoring in physical education, physiotherapy, tourism and recreation, sport or sport and tourism management. The second sample consisted of 49 Polish university students (13 males, 36 females) of tourism and recreation. The AMS was validated using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. Cronbach’s α was used to estimate reliability and internal consistency of the scale. The AMS showed adequate levels of internal consistency (Cronbach α values above .78) and temporal stability (mean test-retest correlation = .88). Additionally, the fit indices of CFA were satisfactory (χ 2 / df = 4.95, GFI = .927, AGFI = .910, RMSEA = .050). Female students scored higher than males on four motivation subscales and lower on amotivation. The results confirmed the original seven-factor and 28-item structure of the Polish version of the AMS. The results support the use of the Polish version of the AMS as a tool for assessing university students’ motivation. Validity and reliability of the Polish version of the Academic Motivation Scale