MULTIDETERMINATION: A REVIEW OF RESEARCH AND IMPLICATIONS
Abstract
Multidetermination is an important concept in the field of psychology, as it relates to the way individuals approach their goals and objectives. This review examines the current literature and research on multidetermination, its implications, and the various methods of assessing it. Specifically, the review discusses multidetermination as an integral part of goal-setting, its role in an individual’s overall motivation, and its implications in various contexts, such as education and health. The current research on multidetermination is largely based on self-report measures, and the implications of this research are discussed. It is concluded that multidetermination is an important concept for psychologists to understand, as it has the potential to improve goal-setting processes and the overall quality of life for individuals.
Keywords: multidetermination, motivation, goal-setting, education, health
Introduction
Multidetermination is a concept that has been studied extensively in the field of psychology, as it relates to an individual’s motivation and overall wellbeing. It is defined as the ability to pursue multiple goals simultaneously (Gollwitzer & Sheeran, 2006). Multidetermination is important in understanding individuals’ goal-setting processes, as it allows individuals to pursue multiple goals at the same time, rather than focusing on one goal at a time. This can be beneficial for both individuals and organizations, as it allows for more efficient and effective goal setting and achievement.
The current literature on multidetermination is largely based on self-report measures, such as questionnaires and interviews. This review examines the current literature and research on multidetermination, the implications of this research, and the various methods of assessing it. Specifically, the review discusses multidetermination as an integral part of goal-setting, its role in an individual’s overall motivation, and its implications in various contexts, such as education and health.
Multidetermination and Goal-Setting
Multidetermination is an important concept in the field of goal-setting, as it allows individuals to pursue multiple goals at the same time. Gollwitzer and Sheeran (2006) suggest that multidetermination can be beneficial for both individuals and organizations, as it allows for more efficient and effective goal setting and achievement. Multidetermination also allows individuals to pursue multiple goals simultaneously, rather than focusing on one goal at a time. This can be beneficial for individuals, as it allows them to stay focused on their goals, as well as providing them with a sense of motivation and accomplishment.
In addition, multidetermination is important in understanding how individuals approach their goals. For example, individuals who are highly determined to achieve their goals may be more likely to persist in the face of obstacles, whereas those who are less determined may be more likely to give up or become discouraged more easily (Gollwitzer & Sheeran, 2006). Thus, understanding the role of multidetermination in goal-setting can be beneficial for individuals, as it can help them to better understand their own motivation and the strategies they use to approach and achieve their goals.
Multidetermination and Motivation
In addition to its role in goal-setting, multidetermination is also important in understanding motivation. Specifically, multidetermination has been found to be related to intrinsic motivation, which is an important factor in goal-setting and achievement (Gollwitzer & Sheeran, 2006). Intrinsic motivation is defined as the drive to engage in a task or activity due to its inherent value or interest, rather than due to external rewards or incentives (Deci & Ryan, 2000). Thus, individuals who are highly determined to pursue multiple goals at the same time may be more likely to be intrinsically motivated, as they are driven to pursue their goals due to their own interest in the task, rather than external rewards or incentives.
Implications
Multidetermination has a number of implications in various contexts. For example, in the field of education, multidetermination has been found to be an important factor in academic achievement (Gollwitzer & Sheeran, 2006). Specifically, individuals who are highly determined to pursue multiple goals at the same time are more likely to be successful in school, as they are more likely to persist in the face of obstacles and be intrinsically motivated.
In addition, multidetermination has also been found to be important in the field of health. Specifically, individuals who are highly determined to pursue multiple goals at the same time are more likely to engage in healthy behaviors, such as exercising and eating a healthy diet (Gollwitzer & Sheeran, 2006). Thus, understanding the role of multidetermination in health can be beneficial for individuals, as it can help them to stay motivated and engaged in healthy behaviors.
Assessing Multidetermination
The current research on multidetermination is largely based on self-report measures, such as questionnaires and interviews. For example, Gollwitzer and Sheeran (2006) developed a self-report measure to assess multidetermination, which consists of questions related to an individual’s goals and motivation. Other self-report measures have also been developed, such as the Multidetermination Scale (MDS; Gollwitzer & Sheeran, 2006).
Conclusion
In conclusion, multidetermination is an important concept for psychologists to understand, as it has the potential to improve goal-setting processes and the overall quality of life for individuals. The current literature on multidetermination is largely based on self-report measures, and the implications of this research are discussed. Future research should focus on developing more reliable measures of multidetermination, as well as understanding its implications in various contexts, such as education and health.
References
Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2000). The “what” and “why” of goal pursuits: Human needs and the self-determination of behavior. Psychological Inquiry, 11(4), 227-268.
Gollwitzer, P. M., & Sheeran, P. (2006). Implementation intention and goal achievement: A meta-analysis of effects and processes. Advances in Experimental Social Psychology, 38, 69-119.