ASSESSING MOTIVATION IN UNIVERSITY STUDENTS: FACTOR STRUCTURE AND PSYCHOMETRIC PROPERTIES OF THE ITALIAN VERSION OF THE ACADEMIC MOTIVATION SCALE-COLLEGE (AMS-C)

The study aims to analyze factor structure and psychometric properties of the Italian version of the Academic Motivation Scale-College (AMS-C). Overall, 797 university students completed the AMS-C (28 items). Measurement invariance across gender was tested. Confirmatory factor analysis did not confirm the original 7-factor structure. Exploratory factor analysis was conducted with one split-half sub-sample indicating a good model fit for a 4-factor solution, which was confirmed by the CFA with the second split-half subsample. The Italian version of the AMS-C consists of 26 items, tapping four meaningful and reliable factors (Introjected Motivation, Intrinsic Motivation, Extrinsic Motivation, Amotivation) which covered, with a new meaningful configuration, all the seven factors of the original tool. Findings revealed satisfactory internal consistency, convergent, discriminant, and criterion validity. Measurement invariance across gender was also supported. The AMS-C represents a reliable and valid tool to be used for the assessment of university students9 motivation in the Italian context.