Psychological Analysis Report: Continuum of Self-Determined Motivation

This report presents a psychological analysis of a meta-analysis examining the continuum structure of self-determined motivation. The study, based on Self-Determination Theory (SDT), investigates the relationships between various motivational factors across domains like work, education, and exercise. The meta-analysis used diverse scales (SRQ, AMS, SMS, etc.) and explored the correlations between intrinsic, integrated, identified, introjected, external, and amotivation. The findings support a continuum-like pattern, highlighting the importance of self-determination in explaining human motivation, although some limitations were noted. The report details the methodology, including data collection, screening, and statistical analyses (meta-analytic summary statistics, multidimensional scaling, and moderation analyses). The results show a simplex ordering of regulations, with confidence intervals and heterogeneity analyses providing insights into the relationships between different types of motivation. The study emphasizes the need for further research to refine scales and optimize the scoring of motivation to enhance outcome prediction.

Running head: PSYCHOLOGICAL ANALYSIS
Testing a Continuum Structure of Self-Determined Motivation in a Meta Analysis
Name of the Student:
Name of the University:
Author’s note:

1PSYCHOLOGICAL ANALYSIS
Table of Contents
Answers:..........................................................................................................................................2
Answer to question 1:..................................................................................................................2
Answer to question 2:..................................................................................................................2
Answer to question 3:..................................................................................................................3
Answer to question 4:..................................................................................................................4
Answer to question 5:..................................................................................................................5
Answer to question 6:..................................................................................................................5
Answer to question 7:..................................................................................................................6
Answer to question 8:..................................................................................................................7
Answer to question 9:..................................................................................................................8
Answer to question 10:................................................................................................................8
Answer to question 11:................................................................................................................9
Answer to question 12:................................................................................................................9
Answer to question 13:..............................................................................................................10
Answer to question 14:..............................................................................................................10
References:-...................................................................................................................................12

2PSYCHOLOGICAL ANALYSIS
Answers:
Answer to question 1:
Howard, J. L., Gagné, M., & Bureau, J. S. (2017). Testing a Continuum Structure of Self-
Determined Motivation: A Meta-Analysis. Psychological bulletin.
Answer to question 2:
Overview and Brief Summary:
The self-determination theory devises a multidimensional approach to motivate several
factors to fall along a continuum of perspective autonomy. The meta-analysis identified the
association between these motivation factors to elaborate the way of reliability they conformed
to a predicted continuum-like structure. The output supported a continuum-like pattern of
motivation and inferred that self-determination is concentrated in explaining human motivation.
The exact distance between subscales varied across samples in a way that was not explainable by
a group of factors or moderators. Results did not include the integrated regulation or the three
subscales of intrinsic motivation that are intrinsic motivation to know, to experience stimulation
and to achieve. That happened due to massive high interfactor correlations and overlapping
confidence intervals. The report recommended scale refinements and the scoring motivation.
Major Findings:
The report finds the motivation behind the self-determination theory. The finding is to
have the significance for motivation researchers by displaying the importance of self-
determination and importance of quality of motivation over quantitative approach. The
researchers are eager to test a variety of meta-analytic processes that have been undertaken to

3PSYCHOLOGICAL ANALYSIS
examine the durability of the continuum assumption. The simplex pattern of correlation between
types of motivation assigned held up and pattern of homogeneous samples were investigated.
Answer to question 3:
Information:
According to the continuum assumption in meta-analysis of homogeneous samples, a
multidimensional structure develops human motivation and permits to ascertain relative
autonomy index. Self-determination theory devises a multidimensional motivation theory that
carried out the concept of intrinsic and extrinsic causes of psychological behaviour that would
lead to differential performances and outcomes for individuals (Moreno-Murcia et al., 2013).
External regulation is developed by behaviours in which a research attempts to obtain social or
material rewards or ignore punishment from an out source.
Problems:
Despite entire evidences to distinguish various types of motivation, SDT set a hypothesis
that a continuum of self-determination underlies the rules and regulation. A less rigorous but
more general test of continuum assumption involves an observing the expected trend of
correlation. Firstly, a considered moderator may not explain the heterogeneity. Further studies
specific to the domains would be better suitable to search the scopes of the study and the nature
of many specified domain moderators that are likely to play a vital role in moderating the
association between regulations. Secondly, a number of existing samples were not involved in
the meta-analysis as contactable or able to provide the information by comprehensive attempts to
make STD-based research done to human motivation. Including more studies may have enabled
further moderation analyses with the analyses with the chances of detecting non-variant

4PSYCHOLOGICAL ANALYSIS
correlation matrices for subpopulations. Thirdly, while the study primarily detects the pattern of
correlations between regulations of motivation, future research can resolve the challenges of
operational motivation through the execution of antecedent and outcome variables. It would
permit the direct comparison of different ways on operations. More clearly, it promptly describes
the differences in the variations each approach is capable of explaining. Such a meta-analysis
would be more manageable if incorporated within domains.
Answer to question 4:
The variables of the research study are-
A. Work B. Exercise C. Sport D. Physical education E. Education
The variables were measured by following scales that are-
1. SRQ 2. WEIMS 3. MAWS 4. MWMS 5. SMS 6. SMS-6 7. SMS-II
8. BRSQ 9. EMS 10. BREQ 11. BREQ-2 12. BREQ-3 13. AMS.
Hypothesis:
1. Intrinsic, integrated, identified, introjected, external and amotivation are highly
correlated to each other in SDT regulations and domains such as work, sport,
education, exercise and physical education.
2. Intrinsic, integrated, identified, introjected, external and amotivation are highly
correlated to each other for Students, Employee and other groups.

5PSYCHOLOGICAL ANALYSIS
Answer to question 5:
The first scale developed to measure distinct regulation types was the Self-Regulation
Questionnaire (SRQ). External, introjected and identified are the three types of intrinsic
motivation according to the engagement in particular school-associated behaviours. The scale
format has been adapted and used throughout domains involving five factors such as exercise,
work, sport, education and health. Academic motivation scale (AMS) is the multidimensional
work motivation scale. Sports motivation scale (SMS) infer specific distinctions by involving
three types of intrinsic motivation that are intrinsic motivation to know, intrinsic motivation to
experience stimulation and intrinsic motivation to accomplish. Amotivation is one more area of
inconsistency with the majority of scale involving amotivation subscales such as MWMS,
BREQ-2, SMS and AMS. BREQ and MAWS are the motivation of work scale. All the scales
demand to follow a simplex ordering of subscales. It is needed by continuum assumption of
motivation of SDT.
Answer to question 6:
The number of identification through forward research is 9233. Secondary database
provided 18415 data on scale names. Therefore, among total data 26365 duplicates were
removed. After screening, researcher achieved 514 data. The number of insufficient data is 478.
In data eligibility test, 49 data were lost and 57 authors provided data for 63 articles. 492 samples
had adequate data of which 396 samples were taken direct from literature. At last, 486 samples
were included for meta-analysis. The inclusion criteria showed the result in a final database of
486 independent samples and 88 unpublished articles. In this case, a total of 4111 correlation
coefficient measures from over 205000 participants. Ranging from 11 to 4554 participants, the

6PSYCHOLOGICAL ANALYSIS
mean was 427.64. A full list of articles involved in this meta-analysis is included in the online
supplementary section. Participants could be students, employees or non-specified entities.
Answer to question 7:
The procedures that could help of test the hypotheses are meta-analytic summary statistic
and meta-analytic correlation matrix of regulation data. While testing the continuum structure of
motivation, graphical display of correlation between regulations for each major domain could be
apprehended. We could find different types of intrinsic motivation graph for six sub cases that
are Intrinsic, Integrated, Identified, Introjected, External and Amotivation. Moderation analyses
were conducted to account employment characteristics. Although integrated and identified
regulations indicated some discrepancies due to very high correlations between these factors, the
sub samples were examined further by separating participants into groups representing
elementary institutions. A pattern of regulations were varied over various subgroups, 95%
confidence intervals between groups overlapped in all types of comparisons. The value of I2
indicates that subgroup analysis did not elaborate all of the heterogeneity found in correlation
matrix.
The meta-regression analysis in which correlation was independently regressed onto
continuous age and gender variables, generally takes into account the contribution of moderators.
The correlation matrix reveals the effect of heterogeneity. Besides, multidimensional scale was
used to apprehend the derived correlation matrix to test continuum hypothesis meta-analytically.
The distances were measured statistically. A scree plot of stress indicates the dimensional
approach of the study. Then we use three dimensional approaches that are super-fluous. Analyses
were run separately specifying one to three dimensions to attain individual fit statistics. The
normalized stress and DAF value was calculated at 95% confidence level of significance.

7PSYCHOLOGICAL ANALYSIS
Answer to question 8:
Here, experimental method has used. An experiment was incorporated to investigate in
which a hypothesis is tested in a scientific way. In an experimental method, an independent
variable (the cause) is manipulated and the dependent variable (the effect) is measured. All types
of extraneous variables are controlled in this method. An advantage of such type of experimental
method is its objectivity. The views and opinions of researchers are not reflected in this study.
Hence, this study is consists of more validity and less biasness.
This is a controlled experiment that requires a well-controlled environment. The
researcher decides about participants, circumstances and standardized procedures of the study.
Participants are randomly allocated to each group of independent variable. Some attempts to
control the study is-
Strength: The replication is possible in this study. The case study allow for precise control of
extraneous and independent variables.
Limitation: The artificiality in the scales of defined variables generates unnatural behaviour that
reflects psychological validity. Discussing characteristics or experimenter impacts bias of the
result and become confounding variables (Georgiadis, Biddle & Chatzisarantis, 2001).
Answer to question 9:
A meta-analysis of data from various life domains using scales of motivation variables
based on multidimensional conceptualization of self-determination theory exposed support for a
one-dimensional, simplex ordering of regulations in motivation. Multidimensional scaling
elaborated the possibility of a smaller but potentially crucial second dimension that should be

8PSYCHOLOGICAL ANALYSIS
discovered for further research. The results are significant for motivating self-determination
theory.
The caution is warranted when avoiding other motivational aspects captured by specified
regulations of motivation. In this regard, further research requires to be undertaken on the
scoring of motivation to maximize the prediction of outcomes. Therefore, the result is consistent
with the hypotheses.
Answer to question 10:
Investigation of confidence intervals indicates that the correlation coefficients remained
within a relatively small range of values provided for any given reason regulation intervals and
confidence intervals with the remaining guidelines do not overlap. Non-overlapping 95%
confidence intervals are indicative of variability between the values at p<0.01 level (Cumming
and Finch, 2005).
An initial analysis was run in which five dimensions were specified to investigate the
association. According to the value of I2 we measure the level of association and goodness of fit.
Then the meta-analytic comparison between published and unpublished works is very similar
with 95% confidence intervals between two group correlations showing considerable overlap on
most variables. More specifically, 13 out of 15 pairs overlapped significantly. Confidence
intervals overlap 50% or more non-difference values at p=> 0.05 level. Only two confidence
intervals did not overlap due to intrinsic-identified and external-amotivation correlations at
p<0.01 level.

9PSYCHOLOGICAL ANALYSIS
Answer to question 11:
Effect sizes, confidence intervals, variance and homogeneity statistics are discussed in
the composite correlation matrix. In the study, current meta-analytic comparison between
published and unpublished factors in terms of work, education or health is highly similar with
95% confidence intervals between correlations of the two groups displaying considerable overlap
on most of the variables. The correlation matrix structures a simplex pattern as correlations
between conceptually adjacent regulations and non-adjacent regulations becoming negative at
the extremes. Correlations among identified, integrated and intrinsic factors range from 0.818 to
0.913. Correlation between adjacent ‘controlled’ pairs ranges from 0.51 to 0.603. The introjected
regulation is positively associated to autonomous forms of regulations due to external regulation.
The analysis of sources of heterogeneity ranging from 98.13% to 99.75% across the correlation
matrix indicates simplex structure. Categorical and continuous moderator variables tested the
effort to explain the heterogeneity of correlations and accepted non-variant correlation matrices.
The first set of moderator variables examined for having domain effects. Five domains
were detected to contain sufficient examples to provide variable results in terms of work,
exercise, sport, physical education and education.
Answer to question 12:
Results indicate that general patterns are remained similar in the variance and size of the
correlation. The relationship and regulation dependent up on scale are identified and external
regulation indicates the relationship between regulations in the domain of application. As a
researcher, I can structuralize simplex pattern that is still evident inferring a relatively stable
continuum structure of motivation (Aelterman et al. 2012). The multi-regression of quantitative
variables may influence the moderators of the study (Allan, 2011).

10PSYCHOLOGICAL ANALYSIS
A sufficient number of samples were available for seven countries between nation
groups. The analysis found the linear relationships via meta-regression and correlation in this
research report. However, a vast number of samples could display correlations regardless of
variety of data collection. In this way, we can determine the motivational profile of a person.
Answer to question 13:
Author mentioned about limitations of the report. To avail the correlation matrices for
subpopulations and operationalize motivation through the incorporation of antecedent and
resultant variables are necessary for future works. The dataset is unable to nullify the validity of
extraneous and confounding variables of order effects. The specific change of domain of study at
the presence of specification of orderly scaled variables may change the perspective of the study.
Answer to question 14:
More centred and specific significant effects in terms of SDT motivation and dimension
of indication bring relevance to all the regulation subscales. It is presented in all scale-validated
articles. Hence, the presence of heterogeneity and multicollinearity could be made feasible with
respect to this. The results may be concurred with the outputs of bi-factor modeling that have
indicated the relevance of considering both specific factors and common motivational factors.
Modeling all of the regulations individually is always feasible, particularly with smaller sample
sizes (Biddle, 1999). The model of motivation could be our major interest.

11PSYCHOLOGICAL ANALYSIS
References:-
Aelterman, N., Vansteenkiste, M., Van Keer, H., Van den Berghe, L., De Meyer, J., & Haerens,
L. (2012). Students’ objectively measured physical activity levels and engagement as a
function of between-class and between-student differences in motivation toward physical
education. Journal of Sport & Exercise Psychology, 34, 457–480. http://dx.doi.org/
10.1123/jsep.34.4.457
Allan, M. (2011). Toward a better understanding of motivations for a geotourism experience: A
self-determination theory perspective. Joondalup, Australia: Edith Cowan University.
Biddle, S., Soos, I., & Chatzisarantis, N. (1999). Predicting physical activity intentions using
goal perspectives and self-determination theory approaches. European Psychologist, 4,
83–89. http://dx.doi.org/10 .1027//1016-9040.4.4.83
Georgiadis, M., Biddle, S., & Chatzisarantis, N. (2001). The mediating role of self-determination
in the relationship between goal orientations and physical self-worth in Greek exercisers.
European Journal of Sport Science, 1, 1–9.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/17461390100071502
Howard, J. L., Gagné, M., & Bureau, J. S. (2017). Testing a Continuum Structure of Self-
Determined Motivation: A Meta-Analysis. Psychological bulletin.
Moreno-Murcia, J. A., Cervelló Gimeno, E., Hernández, E. H., Pedreño, N. B., & Rodríguez
Marín, J. J. (2013). Motivational profiles in physical education and their relation to the
theory of planned behavior. Journal of Sports Science & Medicine, 12, 551–558.