1. Motivational Psychology and Educational Research.
- Author
-
Weiner, Bernard
- Abstract
This conference paper discusses two factors which seem to be responsible for the lack of clear progress in research dealing with motivation and learning in the schools: first, an overemphasis on the presumed influence of motivation on learning, which has resulted in a neglect of the many other processes that are directly influenced by motivational states; and second, a mechanistic conception of man which interferes with scientific progress. After an enumeration of the specific faults implicit in the present paradigm for motivational research in education, a new research paradigm is suggested which emphasizes the influence of cognitive processes on motivation. Also stressed is the need to develop a cognitive functionalism that is as precise as behavioral functionalism while not being immobilized by a mechanistic conception of man. Recommended research areas are: (1) intermediate difficulty, (2) intention, (3) intrinsic versus extrinsic motivation, (4) stages in achievement behavior, (5) the building of effort structures, (6) causal attributions for success and failure, (7) long-term motivational effects, and (8) achievement strivings among females. (CS)
- Published
- 1974