6th Annual Judith Ramaley Celebration of Research and Creative Scholarship
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Poster #101 Why Students Join Groups: An Examination of Motivation Thomas Schram Faculty Mentor: Kara Lindaman Colleges and Universities all seek to create a vibrant culture of student activity that goes beyond the classroom, and crucial to developing this environment are student groups. Through these groups, students are able to organize events, create initiatives, and secure a role in the evolution of their university. However, the question of why students create, join, and are active in these groups remains. This study seeks to answer that question. Student motivations are categorized as being altruistic, self-interested and career oriented, or socially driven. These categories are based on similar research conducted on student motivations for volunteering and group activity (Batson, Ahmad &Tsang, 2002; Friedland & Morimoto, 2005). To find which motivational category plays the largest role in inspiring students to become active in groups, a sample of Winona State University students will be assessed using a survey designed to measure the motivations driving individual student group activity, as well as demographic variables, such as age, major, and gender, that could serve as the foundation for any motivations found. Survey results will be examined using the SPSS software. Findings are hypothesized to show that students join groups for the social and career benefits derived, and not as a result of motivations stemming from altruistic principles. |
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