Motivation Psychology

The course will provide a systematic introduction to how human motivation is the result of interaction between the individual's behaviour, emotions, cognition, individual differences, and environmental conditions.

Students will gain insight into: a) different types of motivation, b) how motivation is an important prerequisite for learning, affecting both the learning process and performance, c) strategies for stronger and more purposeful motivation and performance, d) how motivation can be both an expression of relatively stable individual differences in personality and the result of adapting to the expectations of those around them, and e) the relationship between motivation, mastery, and self-perception.

Knowledge:

On completion of the module, the candidate should be able to independently, without aids:

• Explain key terms in motivational psychology
• Explain the most central theories of motivation, and demonstrate knowledge of them
• Explain research methods in the study of motivation
• Analyse key concepts and theories in motivational psychology and discuss the relationship between them.

Skills

Upon completion of the module, the student should be able to independently, without aids:

• Discuss important phenomena presented in the module
• Demonstrate an understanding of motivation in different areas of psychology
• Discuss practical implications of different motivational theories in fields such as school, work, health, and sports

General competence:

Upon completion of the module, the candidate should be able to independently, without aids:

• Reflect upon what motivation is
• Reflect upon how to measure motivation
• Reflect upon and critically discuss how different theories approach motivational phenomena