Global Journal of Multidisciplinary and Applied Sciences

UNDERSTANDING THE PSYCHOLOGICAL MECHANISMS OF MOTIVATION IN ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT

Sana Ahmed

Department of Educational Psychology, National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad

Keywords: Motivation, Academic Achievement, Psychological Mechanisms, Achievement Goals

Abstract

Motivation plays a central role in academic achievement and the psychological mechanisms that drive student success have been the subject of extensive research. This study explores various psychological theories and models of motivation, including intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, goal-setting theory, self-determination theory, and the impact of achievement goals on student outcomes. We examine how motivation influences academic behaviors, cognitive processes, and emotional responses in students, and how these factors interact to impact learning outcomes. By integrating diverse theoretical perspectives, this paper aims to offer a comprehensive understanding of motivation and its psychological underpinnings in the context of academic achievement. The findings suggest that a balance of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, along with supportive learning environments, significantly enhances academic success.