Understanding Academic Motivation profiles Among Gifted Students in Fundamental Disciplines: A Q Methodology Study

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  In Roundtable Session: Giftedness, Creativity, and Talent Roundtable: Behaviors and Learning Concepts

Abstract

Academic motivations is crucial to the development of gifted students in fundamental disciplines. This study employs Q methodology to investigate motivations’ images and their formation mechanisms among 23 gifted students, identifying three profiles: (1) driven primarily by intrinsic motivation; (2) adeptly internalize external expectations and rules; and (3) grappling with conflicting pressures. We also find that divergences in the decision-making logic behind major selection and program application, in research experiences, and in attitudes toward external evaluations among gifted undergraduates and consensus statements reveal shared traits across different images, including enthusiasm for research exploration and proactive problem-solving. Accordingly, we propose enhancing undergraduate research training systems, reforming the evaluation systems and introducing research awareness at an earlier stage.

Authors

• 昱泽 陈, Tsinghua University

• peili yuan, 北京师范大学