MOTIVATION TOWARDS SCIENCE OF SPANISH SECONDARY STUDENTS

This study explores the motivation toward science of 185 Spanish secondary school students pertaining to two educational centers in Valencia. Five different dimensions of motivation toward science (self-efficacy, self-determination, intrinsic motivation, career, and grade motivation) were measured using the Science Motivation Questionnaire II (SMQ-II). Results show a general decrease in motivation in older students, with statistically significant differences between first graders and third and fourth graders, which may imply the pursuit of scientific careers.