Motivation for conducting postgraduate studies: a probability model

Abstract

This research study sought to analyze the factors associated with student motivation to undertake postgraduate studies by applying a quantitative approach through a self-administered questionnaire to 140 students. The factors assessed were: improvement in quality of life, increased job opportunities, high costs, tutor accompaniment, and ways of financing. An adjusted logistic regression model was applied. Assessments were performed by using ROC curve measurements, classification statistic, and the Hosmer-Lemeshow test. The results indicated that the variables that positively affected student motivation to pursue a postgraduate degree were: increased job opportunities, improvement in quality of life, financial scholarships, and tutor accompaniment. High costs was a variable that had a negative impact. In conclusion, these factors can be used by higher education institutions to focus their resources to enhance their graduate programs and to design policies and strategies that facilitate student enrollment