Motivation and Self-Regulated Learning: A Multivariate Multilevel Analysis

Abstract

This study investigated the relationship between motivation and self-regulated learning SRL in a nationally representative sample of 5245, 15-year-old students in the USA. A multivariate multilevel analysis was conducted to examine the role of three motivational variables self-efficacy, intrinsic value & instrumental value in predicting three SRL strategies memorization, elaboration & control . The results showed that compared to self-efficacy, intrinsic value and instrumental value of math were stronger predictors of memorization, elaboration and control strategies. None of the motivational variables had a stronger effect on one strategy than the other. The findings suggest that the development of self-regulatory skills in math can be greatly enhanced by helping students develop positive value of and realistic expectancy for success in math.