Browsing by Author "Kuvaja, Emma"

Aims. The aim of this study was to describe Finnish student’s personality traits and goal orientations in higher education, and examine if there are correlations between these variables. The underlying theory of approaching personality in this study was the Big Five trait theory, also known as five factor model, which includes five well-established personality traits (extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism and openness to experiences). In this research the theoretical frame of reference to motivation is the goal orientation theory which is widely investigated especially in educational sciences. Goal orientations can be roughly divided into three dimensions – learning orientation, achievement orientation and work-avoidance orientation. Furthermore, the aim of this study was to examine possible differences in personality traits or goal orientations between university students and students of university of applied sciences. Differences between various age groups and classes were investigated as well. Methods. The approach of this study was quantitative, and the empirical data was collected with questionnaire from closed Facebook groups of various subjects. The data was analysed using statistical analysis methods, such as correlations and mean differences. The results of this study can not be generalized since discretionary sample of Finnish students was used when collecting data. Results and conclusions. Results of this research are partly consistent with earlier studies in this field. The feature of conscientiousness from the Big Five theory was positively correlated to both learning and achievement orientations, while the tendency to avoid working during studies was negatively correlated to conscientiousness. In addition, openness to experiences was related to learning orientation of students in higher education. Differences in personality traits and goal orientations between university students and students of university of applied sciences, or students of different age groups were not found in this data. The current year of studies was also a poor indicator of differences in goal orientations and personality traits, however, in this study the third-year students were more conscientiousness than others. Similar research has not been done in the past but studying diversity of motivation and goal orientations among students provides valuable information also when it comes to teaching. Therefore, the subject is significant as it provides valuable information that can be utilized for example when developing teaching methods.