Motivation and Perceived Rewards for Research by Music Faculty

Abstract

A questionnaire was sent to 90 publishing researchers who were members of college music faculties in the fields of music theory, music history, music education, and music therapy asking them why they engaged in research activity and what specific rewards they believe they obtained because of their own research. Among the 55 respondents, intellectual curiosity, enjoyment, self-improvement, and perceived duty were the main reasons for conducting research. Intrinsic motivators linked to the nature of the research process were the most important reward for these people, while salary increase was considered the most important external reward.