Intrinsic or Instrumental: Motivational Characteristics of English Language Learners in Japan

The study of motivational tendencies in second language learners is complex because of the varied and dynamic nature of motivation. This paper attempts to add to the research by conducting a survey of a population of Japanese learners of English in Japan at both the senmon gakko and university level. The survey measured integrative and instrumental factors involved in student's motivational attitudes. It was thought that the senmon gakko students surveyed would show a higher incidence of instrumental motivational tendencies in comparison with the university students. The data showed that there was little difference between the two groups and, if anything, the university students showed a slightly higher incidence of instrumental motivation. The data also showed positively weighted factors of interests to students. The paper begins with a brief review of relevant previous studies then moves on to the methodology of the research, the results and finally to classroom implications of the study and concluding remarks. (Three appendixes are included: (1) English Survey; (2) Answer sheet; and (3) Descriptive Statistics. Contains 2 figures.)