A global item-level normalization approach to compare profiles of motivation in medical students

The study examined motivation in 266 medical students using a validated 18-item scale based on self-determination theory. Researchers applied global item-level normalization to enable comparison of different motivation types within a single cohort. Results revealed significant differences among motivation types: identified regulation was highest, followed by intrinsic motivation. Controlled regulation was found in the mid-range, and amotivation was lowest. The motivational profile remained consistent across different academic stages without significant differences. The study confirmed that medical students demonstrate a profile dominated by autonomous regulation, which is relevant for designing interventions that support autonomous motivation in medical curricula.