Types of Motivation in Iranian EFL learners toward English Language Learning

Abstract

This study aimed at investigating the types of motivation (integrative, instrumental, intrinsic and extrinsic) that Iranian students, studying English, have toward the learning of the English language. A modified27-item motivational survey adapted from Gardner’s (1985) Attitude/Motivation Test Battery (AMTB) questionnaire was administered to 47 (male and female) who were studying English as their second language. The data was then recorded in SPSS computer software and later was calculated with the help of the descriptive data. The findings revealed that the students had high levels of integrative and instrumental motivation to learn English. Their integrative motivation was found slightly higher than their instrumental motivation. Contrary to intrinsic motivation, the learners demonstrated a relatively high extrinsic motivation. Following these findings, some pedagogical implications are discussed with their recommendations.