A Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Validation of a Second-Language (L2) Motivation Instrument in South Korea

Abstract

In this research, we tested the psychometrics of a translated and adapted second language learning motivation instrument among Korean English learners. A total of 1373 college students from 9 universities and 11 majors in South Korea responded to the questionnaire. After the content validation, back-translation, and pilot study, 12 factors and 76 items were chosen for further construct validation. The data were then analyzed using Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). Through EFA, 11 factors and 55 items were extracted while CFA analysis indicated good fit (CFI > 0.9, SRMR = 0.05, RMSEA < 0.05) of the measurement model. The results of this study showed acceptable psychometrics properties of questionnaire which is culturally and structurally appropriate in a Korean college context.