Abstract
This study examined the relationship between motivation, performance accomplishment, and persistence as a mediator among medical students. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected through a two-stage sequential design to investigate the hypothesised model. A sample of 645 medical undergraduates participated in the quantitative stage, responding to an electronically structured questionnaire. Confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling were utilised to analyse the data and assess the fit of the conceptual model. In the qualitative stage, semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposeful sample of twelve medical students, and thematic analysis was employed to explore the qualitative findings. The results indicated a well-fitting model, with significant positive relationships observed among motivation, persistence, and performance accomplishment. Notably, including persistence as a mediator reinforced the relationship between motivation and performance achievement. The qualitative data supported and further emphasised the importance of persistence in the medical student population. The findings have practical implications for medical students, educators, and universities, highlighting the significance of promoting and enhancing learners’ persistence. Suggestions for future research include developing additional statistical models, conducting experimental studies, and undertaking longitudinal investigations. By expanding the understanding of the relationships between motivation, persistence, and performance accomplishment, future studies can contribute to developing effective interventions and strategies to support medical students in their educational journey.
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Acknowledgements
This research project acknowledges the support received from the Research Centre for the College of Education, Deanship of Scientific Research at King Saud University. Ahmed Al Hariri and Emma Sami’s contributions to data analysis are greatly appreciated. Special thanks are extended to the medical students who participated in this study, as their involvement was essential for successfully completing the research.
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E.F. conceived and wrote all versions of the manuscript.
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The study adhered to ethical guidelines and obtained approval from the University Research Committee at the Saudi university (ethical approval reference number is KSU-HE-23-834). All participants involved in the study were adults, 18 years old and older. For the qualitative stage, written consent was obtained from the participants, while oral consent was obtained from the participants of the quantitative stage. The researcher ensured that participants were fully informed about the study’s purpose, procedures, and their rights as participants.
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Faisal, E. Persistence as a mediator between motivation and performance accomplishment among medical students: a mixed method approach. Adv in Health Sci Educ (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10459-024-10315-5
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10459-024-10315-5