Motivation Level of Undergraduate Students in Knowledge and Information Science Based on Self-Determination Theory and Its Relationship with Academic Major Satisfaction

Document Type : Review

Authors

1 Associate Professor, Department of Knowledge and Information Science, Faculty of Education and Psychology, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran

2 Professor, Department of Educational Sciences, Faculty of Education and Psychology, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran

3 MSc in Knowledge and Information Science, Department of Knowledge and Information Science, Faculty of Education and Psychology, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran

10.22034/lbcij.2026.70533.1342

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the level of motivation among undergraduate students of Knowledge and Information Science and to examine its relationship with their satisfaction from their field of study.
Method: This applied research employed a survey design. The study population consisted of undergraduate students of Knowledge and Information Science from universities under the supervision of the Ministry of Science, Research, and Technology of Iran, enrolled in the second semester of the 2023–2024 academic year. A total of 209 students participated. Data were collected using a two-part questionnaire: the Academic Motivation Scale developed by Silva, Rodríguez, and Leal (2018), and the Academic Satisfaction Questionnaire by Nauta (2007).
Results: Results indicated that both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation levels were significantly higher than the hypothetical mean, while the level of amotivation was moderate. Pearson correlation analysis revealed a positive and significant relationship between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation and students’ satisfaction with their field of study. Conversely, a negative and significant relationship was observed between amotivation and academic satisfaction. These findings highlight the critical role of motivation in students’ academic experiences and emphasize the need to strengthen motivation—whether through improving the educational environment or enhancing the status of the discipline—to increase student satisfaction.
Conclusion: Overall, students in Knowledge and Information Science pursue their education both due to relative interest in the field and under the influence of environmental factors. However, none of the motivational sources were found to be at an optimal level, suggesting that students are not fully engaged with their discipline. This may be attributed to shortcomings in the educational system, the labor market, or other contributing factors.

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Main Subjects

References

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History

  • Receive Date: 04 December 2025
  • Revise Date: 30 January 2026
  • Accept Date: 10 February 2026
  • First Publish Date: 22 May 2026
  • Publish Date: 22 May 2026

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