Abstract:

This research aimed at determining the objective task values based on the theory of expectation value that emphasize the students' intentions to continue their postgraduate education. In this context, the role of subjective task values perceived in relation to postgraduate education (internal value, earnings value, benefit value and cost) on the intention of postgraduate education has been studied. The data was obtained from 369 students who continued their studies in 3rd and 4th classes in a higher education institution with postgraduate programs. The data collection tool was used as the "Graduate Education Intent Scale" and the "Graduate Education Value Scale" adapted to Turkish for this research. In the analysis of data, correlation analysis and stepwise regression methods were used. Regression analysis found that the internal value, earnings value and benefit value of the variables modeled in the study found that the students’ postgraduate education intentions were posed in a positive direction but the perceived cost was posed in a negative direction. When tasks are assessed in terms of the contribution these components to the regression model, the earnings value is determined as the most important tasks value component that affects the intentions of students to continue their graduate education. The findings show that when graduate students value their undergraduate education in terms of internal, profit and benefits components, students will have a high chance of participating in this education in the future. However, the perceived costs related to postgraduate education reduce the chances of students to continue their postgraduate education. These findings keep light on the subjective task values that explain the students' intentions to continue their postgraduate education from a perspective.

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