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Correct Answer: students are strongly motivated by the desire to feel good about themselves.
attribution theory, developed by psychologists such as fritz heider, harold kelley, and bernard weiner, explores how individuals interpret events and how this relates to their thinking and behavior. it specifically looks at the ways people attribute causes to successes and failures and how these perceived attributions influence their motivation.
according to attribution theory, motivation is significantly influenced by the way individuals explain or attribute the causes of their own and others’ behaviors and outcomes. people commonly attribute causes to internal factors (like ability or effort) or external factors (such as luck or task difficulty). the theory posits that these attributions can lead to different emotional and behavioral responses, particularly concerning motivation.
when students believe that their success in school is due to internal, controllable factors like effort or ability ("i got a good grade because i studied hard"), they are more likely to feel competent and have a sense of control. this fosters intrinsic motivation, which drives them to engage in a task for the inherent satisfaction and challenge it provides, rather than for some separable outcome such as rewards. this intrinsic motivation is closely linked to the desire to maintain or enhance one's self-esteem and the overall sense of self-worth.
in contrast, if students attribute their success to external, uncontrollable factors such as luck or easy tasks, or if they attribute failures to internal, stable factors like lack of ability, they are likely to feel less competent, less in control, and less motivated intrinsically. this can lead to decreased effort and avoidance of challenges, which in turn can affect their performance and personal growth negatively.
thus, the correct answer, "students are strongly motivated by the desire to feel good about themselves," aligns with attribution theory. students who feel that their efforts and abilities contribute to their successes are more likely to develop a positive self-concept and maintain higher levels of motivation. this desire to feel good about oneself and to maintain or enhance self-esteem is a powerful motivator and is central to the motivation process according to attribution theory.
in educational settings, understanding and applying the principles of attribution theory can help educators design interventions that promote positive attributions and thereby enhance student motivation. for instance, providing feedback that emphasizes the importance of effort and strategy rather than innate ability can encourage students to develop a growth mindset, where they see their abilities as improvable through effort and learning. this, in turn, supports their intrinsic motivation and desire to feel good about themselves through personal achievement and growth.
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