Selecting and developing a research topic

Motivation

Experimental Research on Motivation

Among the psychological variables discussed, motivation is the psychological variable that I have the most interest in, primarily because it helps uncover the 'mystery' of why we are drive to successfully accomplish tasks and activities. Motivation is at the center of every individual who makes a decision to commit an action or behavior; it develops within the individual the willingness to commit to change through his/her own actions. Whether or not the motivation was positively generated, motivation remains a key component to understanding the human psyche.

Take as an example weight loss or diet programs. These programs are anchored on the premise that given the correct motivation, individuals can successfully achieve weight loss. Weight programs are driven only by two important factors: the trainer's support to the individual in the program, developing the right motivation in him/her, and the individual's motivation to successfully finish the program. There could be instances where the individual can keep himself/herself on track with the program; there would be instances where s/he would not. In the instances wherein the individual 'falls of the wagon,' it would be interesting to know why s/he was not motivated enough to push through with the program? In the instances wherein s/he was successful in achieving a milestone in the program, what prompted him/her to do so? Ultimately, why there would be lapses in his/her behavior for the same goal or objective? Motivation is key to all these questions. It becomes necessary, then, to explore motivation as a psychological variable that 'fuels' the human need to accomplish a task or activity, whether this is a menial or critical one.

Studying motivation would later help equip me with the necessary knowledge and skills in developing intervention programs for specific psychological issues. One of the goals I have set early in the semester is to pursue a course that would later help me become a professional career counselor. In career counseling, psychiatrists are encouraged to develop interventions or action plans that would help a client/patient achieve an important milestone in his/her life. An in-depth knowledge of motivation would help me, as a career counselor, to ensure that the action plans developed for the client/patient are implemented correctly and are faithfully complied with. In-depth knowledge about motivation, then, would be one of my 'tools' in becoming a successful career counselor.