Relationships of Motivational Orientation and Creativity and Their Effects on Writing Performance

Motivational orientation and creativity of students in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) writing courses have recently garnered increased attention in South Korea and around the world. In an effort to advance research in these areas, this study examined relationships involving motivational orientation (intrinsic goal orientation and self-efficacy), creativity, and writing performance. A group of university EFL students (n = 41) in South Korea participated in this study. They were asked to complete questionnaires of intrinsic goal orientation and self-efficacy, take the Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking, and complete a series of writing tasks including a persuasive essay as part of their performance assessment of a writing class, which served as the context of this study. Results showed no significant relationship between motivational orientation and creativity. However, an interaction effect between intrinsic goal orientation and self-efficacy on student writing performance was found. Results are discussed and recommendations are made based on pedagogical implications of these findings.