PSY 323 - Motivation in Educational Contexts

An overview of theory and research on motivation as it applies to educational contexts, focusing primarily on school-aged children. Why do some students focus on learning while others only care about getting the grade? How do rewards affect motivation? Why does failure sometimes debilitate and other times invigorate? How do we perceive our own academic abilities and how does this affect our self-worth? Where do these motivational processes come from and how do they develop? This course will draw on social, developmental, educational, and cognitive psychology as we address questions about achievement motivation.

Unit(s): 1
Group Distribution Requirement(s): Distribution Group III
Prerequisite(s): PSY 101 and one 300-level Psychology course
Restriction(s): Psychology and neuroscience majors only
Instructional Method: Conference
Grading Mode: Letter grading (A-F)
Notes: Registration priority is given to intended/declared psychology or neuroscience majors.
Not offered: 2024-25
Group Distribution Learning Outcome(s):

Use and evaluate quantitative data or modeling, or use logical/mathematical reasoning to evaluate, test or prove statements.
Given a problem or question, formulate a hypothesis or conjecture, design an experiment, and collect data or use mathematical reasoning to test or validate it.