A Causal Model of the Relationship among Psychological Needs, Goal Orientations and Engagement in Learning

Abstract

This study aimed at detecting the causal relations between psychological needs, goal orientations and engagement in learning through a proposed model based on cognitive principles using path analysis to explain engagement in learning. To achieve this aim, the study sample consisted of (754) students at  Yarmouk university. For the purposes of study, the researchers used a set of tools which are: Basic Needs Satisfaction in General Scale for La Guardia, Ryan, Couchman, & Deci, and prepare the tools of Goal Orientations and Engagement in Learning. The results showed that the subjects of the study have mid-level of autonomy and competence needs. The results of the study also revealed that goal orientations of performance approach, performance avoidance and mastery avoidance were med-level. The results of study also revealed the rejection of the causal model proposed as an ideal model in the interpretation of the data for the decrease in the matching values. The competing model was adopted as an ideal model for high matching values and falling within acceptable values.