Exploring Peer Relationships, Academic and Social Motivation, and Achievement: A Social Network Analysis Approach

• In Event: Motivating Learning Settings

Abstract

A complete understanding of how schools influence student motivation requires consideration of their interpersonal relations with their peers. Research to date has not adequately modeled the association between social and academic aspects of schooling. Framed with Achievement Goal Theory, this two-wave study examines the relations between high school students’ position in the social network of their school, social and academic goals, and academic achievement. Social network analysis was used to determine students’ centrality in their school social network. Results highlight the relationship between academic and social motivation, as well as the importance of both students’ position in the social network of the school and their social motivation for their academic achievement.

Authors

• Kara A. Makara, University of Michigan

• Stuart A. Karabenick, University of Michigan