Motivation Studies Utilizing Self Determination Theory in Chemistry and Allied Health Classes
Location
Atrium
Session Format
Poster Presentation
Research Area Topic:
Education & Learning - STEM Education
Co-Presenters and Faculty Mentors or Advisors
Keenya Riggins, Undergraduate Student in Chemistry
Diana Sturges, Associate Professor in Health and Kinesiology
Shainaz Landge, Lecturer in Chemistry
Dawn Tysinger, Associate Professor in Leadership, Technology, and Human Development
Jessica Orvis, Associate Professor in Chemistry
Abstract
Self Determination Theory (SDT) addresses three psychological needs in humans, namely autonomy, defined by behaviors that are volitional and self-endorsed; competence, defined as feeling capable of meeting challenges; and relatedness, defined as internalization of practices and values by those with whom they feel connected. SDT is a theory of human motivation, emotion, and development that has been applied in various areas, including education. Research has proved that a greater sense of autonomy is associated with internal motivation, that in turn is associated with better academic outcomes. Our project utilizes SDT in chemistry and allied health classes to measure types of motivation and relative levels of autonomy in students. A greater sense of autonomy is associated with motivation that is more internal than external along the spectrum of intrinsic, identified, introjected, and external motivation. General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Human Anatomy/Physiology students were surveyed and the results from the study are summarized.
Keywords
Self determination theory, Relative autonomy index, Regulation of behavior, Human motivation
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Presentation Type and Release Option
Presentation (Open Access)
Start Date
4-24-2015 2:45 PM
End Date
4-24-2015 4:00 PM
Recommended Citation
Keenya Riggins, Diana Sturges, Shainaz Landge, Dawn Tysinger, and Jessica N. Orvis, "Motivation Studies Utilizing Self Determination Theory in Chemistry and Allied Health Classes" (April 24, 2015). Georgia Southern University Research Symposium. Paper 127.
source:http://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/research_symposium/2015/2015/127
Motivation Studies Utilizing Self Determination Theory in Chemistry and Allied Health Classes
Atrium
Self Determination Theory (SDT) addresses three psychological needs in humans, namely autonomy, defined by behaviors that are volitional and self-endorsed; competence, defined as feeling capable of meeting challenges; and relatedness, defined as internalization of practices and values by those with whom they feel connected. SDT is a theory of human motivation, emotion, and development that has been applied in various areas, including education. Research has proved that a greater sense of autonomy is associated with internal motivation, that in turn is associated with better academic outcomes. Our project utilizes SDT in chemistry and allied health classes to measure types of motivation and relative levels of autonomy in students. A greater sense of autonomy is associated with motivation that is more internal than external along the spectrum of intrinsic, identified, introjected, and external motivation. General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Human Anatomy/Physiology students were surveyed and the results from the study are summarized.
