For my final exploring the field entry I decided to go back to my research question dealing specifically with motivators (intrinsic vs. extrinsic). There are a number of studies have concluded that participants with higher levels of intrinsic motivation have higher levels of happiness and overall well-being. On the flip side, there are still some researchers who are not convinced of that these results can be generalized to all people. While these researchers may fewer in numbers, they do have a notable face, Daniel Gilbert.
Now I am not saying that Gilbert is totally against intrinsic motivation as a fundamental of happiness. However, Gilbert has been a part of several studies that have shown the benefit that extrinisic motivation provides. While Gilbert is one of the most notable names in the field of happiness, I am not entirely sold on extrinsic motivation. The study by Schmuck, Kasser, and Ryan (2000) compared happiness and well-being between college students in the United States and Germany. 125 students from the University of Rochester and 83 from the University of Goettingnen in Germany. Using an aspiration index combined with a well-being assessment, researchers investigated whether participants had higher intrinsic or extrinsic values. The results were consistent with most previous research that participants with higher intrinisc motivation and values. The researchers concluded that participants are significantly more motivated to complete and fulfill intrinsic goals.
I am beginning to lean more and more towards the hypothesis that intrinsic motivation is going to lead to students with higher levels as happiness. I also believe that students who exhibit higher levels of intrinsic motivation will be more likely to stick with their initial major or career indication as well. I am still not entirely sure if the manipulation I have come up will be enough to come up with signifiacnt results. Having a confederate present some information about your intended major or career with only a few minutes to think about it, may not be enough time to change your mind. I do not have another idea on how to alter the procedure so at this point I will stick with it but I am hoping to come up with a more solid manipulation somewhere along the line.