Abstract

This paper aimed at discussing the issue of motivation focusing on PhD students that undergo the transitional phase from undergraduate to postgraduate studies. Motivation is proved to be necessary when a long-term goal such as obtaining a PhD degree is involved. In particular, this study documents Greek PhD students’ beliefs and positions toward supervisors’ role as a tutor, mentor and consulter concerning intrinsic and extrinsic motives creation that directs one’s behavior during a PhD completion. A sample of 263 PhD candidates filled in the Academic Motivation Scale. The results of Confirmatory Factor Analysis and Path Analysis indicate motivation, regardless of the type, to be of great importance to the students’ academic achievement. Some students can be highly influenced and motivated by extrinsic motives than intrinsic motives and vice versa.