Wan-Arsan Kriangwattanapong. Motivation for graduate studies of female and male graduate students . Master's Degree(Population Education). Mahidol University. : Mahidol University, 2004.
Motivation for graduate studies of female and male graduate students
Abstract:
Over the last decade, the number of female graduate students has consistently
risen, giving rise to the question as to whether women have greater or different
motivations than men. The objectives of this research were to study the motivation for
graduate studies of female and male university students, and factors affecting
motivation. The sample of this research was 400 students who had applied to study in
universities in Bangkok and nearby. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the
results of a self-administered questionnaire. Open-ended interviews were also used.
The study found that female and male students are not differently motivated.
Self-improvement is a motivation at the highest level for both sexes. Economic and
social factors are motivations at a moderate level. Students applying to study in
different courses have differing motivations. Differences in age, occupation and
entrance and graduation requirements and processes carry with them different
economic motivations but no difference in motivation due to self-improvement and
social factors.
Graduate students both male and female, seem to be motivated more by selfimprovement
and economic factors than social ones. This is an undesirable situation.
Graduate studies should emphasize not only learners’ potential personal academic
development and role in the country's development but also the development of civicmindedness
for the benefit of society as a whole.