Assessing Motivation (DP IB Psychology): Revision Note

Here is an example of a Paper 3 source and a 6-mark SAQ using motivation (HL extension) in the Learning & Cognition context:

Source 3

Lepper (1973) investigated the impact of intrinsic and extrinsic learning with a group of nursery-age children from Stanford university nursery (an elite institution). Intrinsic motivation is that which spurs people on to engage in behaviours simply for the pleasure of the behaviour itself (i.e., the reward is built into the activity). Extrinsic motivation is that which offers some sort of material/tangible reward for engaging in the activity. The researchers selected a sample of children who enjoyed drawing. Over a period of three weeks the children were exposed to one of three conditions:

• Extrinsic reward: The child was offered a 'good player' certificate if they continued to keep drawing

• Unexpected reward: The child was unexpectedly offered a 'good player' certificate as a reward for drawing

• No reward: The children received no certificate or reward for drawing, nor did they expect any

The researchers returned after a two-week break and observed that the extrinsically motivated children spent less time drawing than children from the other two groups.

Q3: Discuss how the researcher could avoid bias in this source.

[6 marks]

Model answer:

The researchers could avoid culture and affluence bias in this study by ensuring that the sample is both ethnically and socioeconomically diverse. The sample could be broadened to include children from states and regions outside of Stanford university and/or those from a diverse range of socioeconomic backgrounds within the USA. The researchers could avoid participant bias by not indicating to the children how they are expected to behave within the research process.

The researchers could avoid confirmation bias by practicing reflexivity i.e., they should make sure that they are aware of any preconceived ideas they may hold about the children being studied and what they expect to find. Confirmation bias could manifest as the researchers overlooking what does not fit their expectations (i.e., the extrinsically rewarded children not drawing) and only focusing on behaviours which align with their preconceived ideas.

Guidance

• The command term “Discuss” requires you to to offer a considered review, acknowledging limitations as well as strengths, offering suggestions for improvement, demonstrating insight of the topic

• A discussion of how to avoid bias could include:

  • Using reflexivity to be alert to confirmation bias and researcher bias

  • Checking the procedure/questions to avoid social desirability bias and acquiescence bis

  • Aiming to find a sample that is as unbiased and representative as possible

  • Being sensitive to issues such as culture bias and gender bias