Abstract
Objectives: The primary objective of the study was to develop and validate an instrument, within an expectancy-value framework, to assess student motivational beliefs regarding pursuance of graduate school after obtaining a PharmD degree. A secondary objective of the study was to examine additional student perceptions regarding graduate school.
Methods: Using a web-based survey instrument, information was obtained from samples of 2 nd and 3 rd professional year pharmacy students regarding motivational beliefs, graduate school, and other post-PharmD options.
Results: The developed instrument demonstrated acceptable reliability and validity. Differences in motivational beliefs were discovered across student demographic variables. Furthermore, intrinsic value and attainment/utility value motivational beliefs were significant predictors of likelihood of students pursuing graduate school in a pharmacy-related area. Faculty encouragement was positively associated with increased likelihood of pursuing graduate school and increases in intrinsic value and attainment/utility value motivational beliefs.
Conclusions: Student value beliefs of graduate school influence the likelihood of pursuing graduate school. Student motivational beliefs should be considered when determining effective methods of recruiting students to post-PharmD graduate education.
| Original language | American English |
|---|---|
| Journal | Currents in Pharmacy Teaching and Learning |
| Volume | 2 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Mar 1 2010 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Disciplines
- Psychology
- Medical Education
- Curriculum and Instruction