Motivational profiles of Chinese and Filipino students: a person-centred analysis

ABSTRACT

This study aims to complement existing literature on Asian students’ motivation through the adoption of person-centred approach in understanding Chinese and Filipino students’ motivational profile using self-determination theory. By means of cluster analysis, both Study 1 involving Chinese college students (N = 306) and Study 2 involving Filipino high school students (N = 893) identified four clusters: 1) high autonomous-high controlled, 2) high autonomous-low-controlled, 3) moderate autonomous-moderate controlled and 4) low autonomous-low controlled. These clusters were significantly different when compared across various outcomes. Specifically, the high autonomous-low controlled motivation and high autonomous, high controlled motivation groups demonstrated the most favourable outcomes whilst moderate autonomous-moderate controlled, and low autonomous-low controlled motivation had the least favourable outcomes. The study yielded both etic and emic findings different from western findings. Theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed within the cultural context in which the participants operate.

KEYWORDS:

• Chinese students
• Filipino students
• person-centred analysis
• motivation to study
• self-determination theory

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Fraide A. Ganotice

Fraide A. Ganotice, Jr., is the programme coordinator of interprofessional education of Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.

Kevin Downing

Kevin Downing is the Director of Internal Research Office of the City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.

Lee Wai Yip

Lee Wai Yip works at Internal Research Office of the City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.

Barbara Chan

Barbara Chan works at Internal Research Office of the City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.

Jonalyn B. Villarosa

Jonalyn B. Villarosa is the Director of Curriculum and Instructional Materials Development of Palawan State University, Philippines.