Table 2 Illustration of student quotes and reasons, categorised in types of motivation for research
From: Exploring the timing of medical student research internships: before or after clerkships?
Type of motivation | Student’s reason for the choice made | Student quotes (some examples of quotes are given) | |
|---|---|---|---|
Research performed before clinical clerkships (n = 44) | Research performed after clinical clerkships (n = 57) | ||
Intrinsic motivation for research | Students have a genuine interest in research | “I was motivated by an earlier research experience during the Bachelor” “I was already participating in research” “I wanted to continue my research project during clinical clerkships” | “I believed I would have more knowledge on research (and/or: interest in research) which could be beneficial for my research internship” |
Identified regulation for research | Students find it personally important to gain experience in research or be good in research. | “I wanted to gain experience in research” | “I assumed that my clinical knowledge would be beneficial for the research internship” “Improve perspectives to obtain a position as a PhD-student” |
Extrinsic regulation for research | Students are making this choice for an extrinsic goal not directly related to research | “I had a long wait / I had re-exams prior to the start of clinical rotations” “Easier to obtain a position as a resident for specialization” “I found a good opportunity to go abroad” “After the clinical rotations I would like to start directly with clinical work, not research” “I was not motivated (yet) to start the clinical rotations” “A nice opportunity came by” | “I wanted to choose a discipline corresponding to my future residency” “Personal external financial reasons” “Improve perspectives to obtain a position as a resident for specialization” “I was not motivated for research in year 1” “Wanted to start with clinical clerkships first” “This planning was in line with my personal schedule” |