Becoming a Research Assistant: Exploring Career Goals and Motivation
PSYC FPX 3770 Assessment 3 Throughout the pursuit of achieving my bachelor’s degree in psychology, a new desire was found: to become a research assistant. As I went through coursework, my interest in the research completed in several assessments grew more strong. This curiosity peaked when I approached the end of my program. With just a few courses remaining, I went ahead and studied the work of a research assistant, with the kind of research facility I hoped to work in, e.g., a research department of a university, a research center, or a private research organization. Besides, I wanted to know the principal job duties of a research assistant, the particular roles involved, for instance, using different computer programs.
An important limitation I faced in fulfilling this goal was acquiring more knowledge of data analytics, specifically Big Data Analytics. This is an area that involves new algorithms, methods, and systems necessary for big-sized research projects. Big Data Analytics transforms everyday life by combining and analyzing diverse and heterogeneous data to drive decision-making processes. Its applications cut across multiple fields, ranging from health and well-being, policy-making, to innovative learning models such as MOOCs and Student-Teacher Modeling (Yang, Cao, & Shao, 2021).
Motivation in Pursuit of Becoming a Research Assistant
Psychologists identify two main forms of human motivation: extrinsic and intrinsic. Extrinsic motivation is based on outer stimuli like money, achievement, or fame, whereas intrinsic motivation is derived from inner satisfaction, curiosity, or pleasure in doing the work (Lopez-Garrido, 2021). Both extrinsic and intrinsic factors drive my motivation to become a career research assistant.
Extrinsically, this profession is more financially rewarding and provides scope for recognition. In contrast, intrinsically, it resonates with my interest in research and inquiry into different phenomena. Furthermore, success in this endeavor would be a good role model for my adult children, encouraging them to chase their academic and professional dreams.
Personality Traits and Motivation
PSYC FPX 3770 Assessment 3 Personality traits are found to contribute substantially to one’s performance and motivation according to research. For example, people who are high in extraversion are likely to do well in oral communication, but conscientiousness and agreeableness are both beneficial for good team collaboration (Kelsen & Liang, 2018). Given my Big Five Personality Traits test, which shows high levels of openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, and agreeableness, and a moderate level of neuroticism, I think these personality traits prepare me for success as a research assistant. My conscientiousness in completing tasks, agreeableness in working together, openness to new ideas in interacting with people, and extraversion in relating to others enhance my intrinsic motivation to follow this career path.
Self-Determination Theory and Intrinsic Motivation
The self-determination theory asserts that people become self-determined as their competence, relatedness, and autonomy needs are met. Intrinsic motivation, a key component of this theory, stresses the value of being in control of one’s actions and aspirations, being skilled at tasks, and feeling like one belongs (Lopez-Garrido, 2021). Following this theory, my intrinsic motivation to be a research assistant arises from meeting these psychological needs, hence maintaining my ambition despite obstacles.
PSYC FPX 3770 Assessment 3 Motivation and Performance in Personal and Professional Life
Conclusion
Knowledge of the interaction among personality, motivation, and psychological theories guides my aspiration to become a research assistant. With the help of intrinsic motivation, as per the self-determination theory, and utilizing my personality strengths, I am ready to overcome challenges and contribute significantly to research projects.
References
Kelsen, B. A., & Liang, H. (2018). Role of the Big Five Personality Traits and Motivation in Predicting Performance in Collaborated Presentations. Journal of Personality Assessment. https://doi.org/10.1177/0033294118795139
Lopez-Garrido, G. (2021). Self-Determination Theory and Motivation. Simply Psychology. https://www.simplypsychology.org
PSYC FPX 3770 Assessment 3 Motivation and Performance in Personal and Professional Life
Yang, Q., Cao, J., & Shao, Q. (2021). Proposal for the Theme on Big Data Analytics. University Grants Committee.https://doi.org/10.1177/0033294118795139
