Motivation for Learning in Information Technology Experts

ISBN-13: 9783639158564 / Angielski / Miękka / 2009 / 96 str.

Andrea Beesley

Opis

This study describes the motivational characteristics of developing experts in information technology (IT). Experienced IT workers from completed surveys about perceived competence and achievement goals for continued expertise development. The sample as a whole scored higher on intrinsic motivators than on extrinsic motivators. Acluster analysis was performed on standardized scoresin order to create profiles of multiple goals. Threegroups were found: Cluster 1 scored relatively low onall goal variables and on perceived competence;Cluster 2 scored relatively high on intrinsic goalsand perceived competence and relatively low onextrinsic goals; and Cluster 3 scored relatively highon extrinsic goals and relatively low on intrinsicgoals and perceived competence. Therefore, while theparticipants were motivated more intrinsically thanextrinsically, some depended relatively more onextrinsic rewards and had lower perceived competencethan their peers. This may cause their expertisedevelopment to have a lower trajectory; they mayprogress more slowly and with less satisfaction andenjoyment. This study should be useful to those whoare interested in expertise development.

O autorze

Dr. Beesley studied educational psychology at the University of
Oklahoma, secondary education at Oklahoma City University, and
literature at Yale University. She is a Principal Evaluator at
Mid-continent Research for Education and Learning in Denver,
Colorado.