Le dimensioni motivazionali dell’apprendimento scolastico: uno studio correlazionale sul concetto di sé e gli stili di attribuzione

Abstract

The paper proposes a correlational study on 18436 seventh grade students from lower secondary schools of nine Italian regions, which explores some motivational patterns affecting learning. In detail, it has two research aims: (1) to examine differences by gender and regularity of grade attendance in Math and Reading self-concept and in causal attributions to explain success or failure in learning situations; (2) to test the association between Math/Reading self-concept and causal attributions, not depending on gender and regularity of grade attendance. Data were collected by the «Student Background Questionnaire» implemented by the National Evaluation Service. With regard to the first research aim, results highlight that male students are characterized by higher Math self-concept and external, stable and uncontrollable attributions to explain success or failure; instead, female students show higher Reading self-concept and effort as causal attribution to explain their academic success. In addition, repeaters overall show lower academic self-concept and less functional attributions. With regard to the second research aim, results confirm the strong association between self-concept and attributions even controlling for gender and regularity of grade attendance. The present study contributes to the development of research on motivational patterns of learning and to the detection of potential protective or risk factors affecting school success or failure.