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The Mediating Effect of Intrinsic Motivation to Learn on the Relationship between Student´s Autonomy Support and Vitality and Deep Learning

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 July 2016

Juan L. Núñez  and
Jaime León
Juan L. Núñez*
Affiliation:
Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (Spain)
Jaime León
Affiliation:
Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (Spain)
*
*Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed Dr. Juan Luis Núñez. Departamento de Psicología y Sociología. Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. C/. Santa Juana de Arco, 1. 35004. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. (Spain). Phone: +34–928458924. Fax: +34–928452880. E-mail: juanluis.nunez@ulpgc.es
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Abstract

Self-determination theory has shown that autonomy support in the classroom is associated with an increase of students’ intrinsic motivation. Moreover, intrinsic motivation is related with positive outcomes. This study examines the relationships between autonomy support, intrinsic motivation to learn and two motivational consequences, deep learning and vitality. Specifically, the hypotheses were that autonomy support predicts the two types of consequences, and that autonomy support directly and indirectly predicts the vitality and the deep learning through intrinsic motivation to learn. Participants were 276 undergraduate students. The mean age was 21.80 years (SD = 2.94). Structural equation modeling was used to test the relationships between variables and delta method was used to analyze the mediating effect of intrinsic motivation to learn. Results indicated that student perception of autonomy support had a positive effect on deep learning and vitality (p < .001). In addition, these associations were mediated by intrinsic motivation to learn. These findings suggest that teachers are key elements in generating of autonomy support environment to promote intrinsic motivation, deep learning, and vitality in classroom. Educational implications are discussed.

Keywords

autonomy supportdeep learningintrinsic motivation to learnvitality
Type
Research Article
Information
The Spanish Journal of Psychology , Volume 19 , 2016 , E42
Copyright
Copyright © Universidad Complutense de Madrid and Colegio Oficial de Psicólogos de Madrid 2016 

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