Demographic Differences in Competence and Autonomy as Related to Students' Academic Performance

• In Event: Lightning Talk: Students’ Experiences, Struggles, and Motivation in Turbulent Academic Times

Abstract

Studies have explored the relationship between the elements of self-determination theory and students’ academic achievement in various fields (Wang et al., 2022). However, some fields are largely unexplored and there is a lack of evidence for several demographic groups. Utilizing data from a mid-size university in the United States, this study seeks to examine the association between the components of self-determination theory – competence and autonomy – and students’ academic performance. In addition, this study also aims to examine how competence and autonomy vary across demographic groups. The results of this study will help in understanding the factors that predict students’ performance across different demographics using a self-determination perspective.

Author

• Jasmine Kaur, University of New Haven