PhD Students' Research Motivation and Research Agendas: Mediating Effects of Research Engagement

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Thursday 2:15 pm - Gold 1
  In Roundtable Session: Student motivation and academic achievement

Abstract

PhD students bridge academia and industry, translating research into practical solutions that address societal challenges and drive economic growth. This study pioneered the exploration of PhD students' research agendas, guided by the Job Demands-Resources Model. It examined how research motivation statistically impacts research agendas, with research engagement mediating this relationship. A total of 351 PhD students from 15 universities in mainland China completed three self-report inventories through an online survey. The study confirmed strong internal construct validity and scale reliability of the measures. Key findings indicated that autonomous research motivations were linked to innovative agendas, while external regulation fostered cohesive agendas. Moreover, all of the three research engagement dimensions mediated these relationships. The present findings possess scientific and practical values.

Authors

• Li-Fang Zhang, University of Hong Kong

• Fei Cao, Nanjing Normal University

• Siyao Chen, University of Hong Kong

• Mengting LI, Nanjing Normal University

• Weiqiao Fan, Shanghai Normal University