Assignment
In-class activity: Developing Research Questions & Hypotheses
Directions: Please read the literature review below and then create a research question and hypothesis using the information provided.
Self-determinationtheory (SDT; Deci & Ryan,1985) posits that intrinsic versus extrinsicgoal pursuits have positive effects on wellbeing(e.g., psychological health) and learning.SDT delineates three types of motivation:(a) intrinsic motivation-doing an activity foritself and the pleasure and satisfaction derivedfrom participating; (b) extrinsic motivation-performing an activity as a means to an end,to satisfy an external demand, or rewardcontingency; and (c) amotivation-beingneither intrinsically nor extrinsically motivatedto perform an activity. The SDT framework wasselected because it focuses on the interpersonalenvironment and the effects of that environmenton autonomous and controlled motivation.Specifically, social contexts (e.g., homeenvironment) are characterized in terms ofthe degree to which they are autonomysupportiveor "authoritative" versus controllingor "authoritarian," with research confirmingthat autonomy-supportive contexts enhanceautonomous motivation whereas controllingcontexts diminish autonomous motivationand enhance controlled motivation (e.g.,
Deci, Eghrari, Patrick, & Leone, 1994).
A family environment created by a particularparenting style may also influence one'sgeneral sense of self-efficacy and motivation. Self-efficacyhasbeen defined as the belief in one's capabilities toorganize and execute courses of action requiredto produce given attainments (Bandura, 1997).Self-efficacy has been shown to be influential inthe actions and success of individuals in manydifferent areas, including overcoming fears,success in the workplace, hard life transitions,and academic performance (Bandura, 1986;Chemers, Hu, & Garcia, 2001). Researchershave recently broadened their study of academicself-efficacy to include the study of collegestudents. Pajares (1996) found academicself-efficacy to be strongly associated withacademic performance in college students,with positive correlations ranging from r = .49to r = .71. Chemers et al. have also found thatacademic self-efficacy is a significant predictorof academic performance and expectations.Additionally, researchers have found that as students' academic expectations and self-efficacyincrease, they are more likely to showhigher academic performance (Chemers et al.2001).
1. Identify your research question using the variables described.
2. Identify a hypothesis using the variables described.
The response should include a reference list. Double-space, using Times New Roman 12 pnt font, one-inch margins, and APA style of writing and citations.