It is well known that learning motivation and learning strategy are important variables in
education and learning. A few studies exist which deal with the relation between personality and
learning strategy. In this study we focus on the personality such as perfectionism and optimism
and study their effects on learning motivations and the use of learning strategies. This study was
performed on 1,064 students in elementary, middle, and high schools in Seoul and Gyeongi area,
using measurement instruments such as E-LOT, MPS, and MSLQ. Based on previous study
results, a theoretical model was hypothesized for this study; self-oriented perfectionism and the
optimism have influences on the use of learning strategy, mediated by learning motivation.
Structural Equation Modeling was used to test goodness of fit of this model.
The results obtained from this study are as follows: First, perfectionism and optimism showed
Pearson correlation r=.31 and were correlated with learning motivation and learning strategy.
Secondly, the theoretical model showed excellent goodness of fit indices. Thirdly, perfectionism and
the optimism had direct effects on the use of learning strategy as well as indirect effect mediated
by learning motivation. This study explored whether male student and female students differ in
the effects of perfectionism and the optimism on learning motivation and learning strategy. For the
male students, both perfectionism and optimism had significant effects on learning strategy. For
female students, only perfectionism showed a strong effect. This result demonstrates that the
optimism is very important for a male student, whereas self-oriented perfectionism is crucial for
the use of learning strategy for female student. Results in this study show students who have
optimistic outlook and persue perfectness are highly motivated and use various learning strategies
effectively and voluntarily.