The relationship of selected motivational variables to the `A' level science achievement of Jamaican students

Abstract

This study sought to investigate the effect of certain extrinsic and intrinsic motivational variables on the performance of Jamaican science students in the Cambridge A'Level examination. Questionnaires were used to collect data from a sample of 109 A'Level science students, pursuing at least two science subjects, and 28 teachers in seven Jamaican high schools. Results of the data analysis showed that: 1) general O'Level results, motivation and study habits, and field independence were important contributors to A'Level performance; 2) the combination of: (a) attainment in O'Level science, (b) general O'Level attainment, (c) field independence, (d) academic motivation and study habits, and (e) parental control and influence had significant predictive values for success in A'Level science; and 3) there was no significant difference in the performance of the sexes in science A'Level