Different motivation, different achievements: the relationship of motivation and dedication to academic pursuits with final grades among Jewish and Arab undergraduates studying together

Much research has indicated disparities between majority and minority groups in academic achievements. In Israel, differences have been recorded between the ethnic majority of students of Jewish origin and the ethnic minority of students of Arab origin. One possible reason for these findings might be differences in motivation, influenced by the respective cultures of the Jewish ethnic majority and Arab ethnic minority. The present research examined the relationship between differences in academic achievements of 73 students of Jewish origin and 74 students of Arab origin studying together and patterns of motivation and dedication to academic pursuits. The findings indicate considerable differences between the two populations in final grades and in motivational patterns and dedication to academic pursuits. In addition, in each of the research populations, different motivations were associated with a higher level of grades.