PSYC FPX 3770 Assessment 3

Becoming a Research Assistant: Exploring Career Goals and Motivation

During the course of seeking to attain my bachelor’s in psychology, a desire other than before was discovered: to be a research assistant. As I progressed through coursework, my desire for the research done in various assessments became increasingly robust. This interest reached its peak when I was nearing completion of my program. With only a couple of courses to go, I proceeded and researched the job of a research assistant with the type of research facility I desired to work with, e.g., a university research department, a research center, or an independent research agency. Furthermore, I wanted to learn the major job responsibilities of a research assistant and the specific roles involved, for example, utilizing various computer programs.

A significant constraint I encountered in achieving this objective was learning more about data analytics, particularly big data analytics. This is a field that entails new algorithms, techniques, and systems required for big-sized research projects. Big Data Analytics revolutionizes daily life by aggregating and analyzing heterogeneous and diverse data to inform decision-making processes. Its uses span across various domains, from health and well-being to policy-making to new models of learning like MOOCs and Student-Teacher Modeling (Yang, Cao, & Shao, 2021).

Motivation in Pursuit of Becoming a Research Assistant

Psychologists identify two main kinds of human motivation: extrinsic and intrinsic. Extrinsic motivation relies on external stimuli such as money, success, or popularity, while intrinsic motivation comes from internal satisfaction, curiosity, or enjoyment of the task (Lopez-Garrido, 2021). Both extrinsic and intrinsic elements influence my motivation to become a career research assistant.

Extrinsically, the career is more lucrative and offers room for appreciation. Conversely, intrinsically, it appeals to my research interest and investigation of various phenomena. In addition, achieving this venture would be a good example to my adult children, motivating them to pursue their academic and professional aspirations.

Personality Traits and Motivation

Personality traits are discovered to play a significant role in one’s performance and motivation based on research. For instance, individuals high in extraversion will perform well in oral communication, but agreeableness and conscientiousness are both advantageous for effective team collaboration (Kelsen & Liang, 2018). Based on my Big Five Personality Traits test, which indicates high scores in openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, and agreeableness, and a moderate score in neuroticism, I believe these personality traits equip me to excel as a research assistant. My conscientiousness in performing tasks, agreeableness when working collaboratively, openness to experience in dealing with others, and extraversion in relating with others strengthen my intrinsic motivation in pursuing this line of career. 

Self-Determination Theory and Intrinsic Motivation

Self-determination theory propounds that individuals become self-determined as they have their needs of competence, relatedness, and autonomy satisfied. Intrinsic motivation, an essential aspect of this theory, emphasizes the importance of being responsible for one’s actions and ambitions, being able to do something well, and feeling part of something (Lopez-Garrido, 2021). Guided by this theory, my intrinsic motivation to become a research assistant is derived from satisfying these psychological needs, thereby preserving my ambition even in the face of challenges.

PSYC FPX 3770 Assessment 3: Motivation and Performance in Personal and Professional Life 

Conclusion

Understanding the relationship between personality, motivation, and psychological theories directs my ambition to be a research assistant. With the assistance of intrinsic motivation, according to the self-determination theory, and my personality strengths, I am prepared to handle challenges and make meaningful contributions to research work.