APS

2025 APS Annual Convention · 2025

Motivation, Needs, and First-Year Undergraduate Math Placement

Washington, DC · May 2025

Poster · Cognitive

  • Jordan Cervantes
    Southern Connecticut State University
  • Michael Nizhnikov
    Southern Connecticut State University
  • Christopher Budnick
    Southern Connecticut State University

Abstract

Amotivated students exhibit decreased academic effort. Autonomous motivation positively associates with final exam grades. Similarly, controlled motivation positively predicts course performance. Need satisfaction positively associates with autonomous motivation, while need frustration positively associates with controlled motivation and amotivation. This study will examine motivation and first-year undergraduate mathematics placement.

Motivation

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