Motivation is always an issue in Research (PSY 265) and Stats (PSY 220). It’s pretty dry material for most students, and there is also anxiety when students need to write an APA manuscript or do math. I try to increase their motivation by emphasizing the career possibilities that arise when one is knowledgeable about these subjects. Students will continuously encounter research and stats as they advance in their studies. I am going to take a different stance and move away from the idea that students need to be intrinsically motivated to succeed in these classes. Is someone intrinsically motivated to work their shitty hourly job to make enough money to support themselves and their family? Probably not. People work these jobs for the possibility of a better future. The same thing happens with stats and research. No matter how much I talk glowingly about these subjects, the majority of my students are not going to be that interested. This is why bringing in former students to talk about their experience is so important. They can tell the current students that the course is manageable and helpful in the future. If students can just keep an open mind about stats and research, they can succeed. Sometimes, you just have to make the best of the situation even if you do not find the topic interesting. Ask the medical students that had to take organic chem (I also love organic chem but I am different from most).

I could also try affirmations to help students. Affirmations have never worked for me personally, but some people have success with them. I think I can also try meditation and guided visualizations to help students. I just try to be honest with students and tell them that the course may not be the most exciting part of Psychology, but it is the most important. There is no Abnormal or Developmental or Social without research and stats.