The predictive role of life goals and self determination traits on academic performance in a Romanian STEMM and non-STEM undergraduate cohort

Abstract

Based on self-determination theory (SDT) and the importance of intrinsic motivation and self-determination in academic performance we investigated the predictive role of intrinsic and extrinsic life goals (aspirations) and self-determination traits (perceived control, self-awareness) in undergraduate academic performance. We analyzed the predictive role of the above in STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine), respectively non-STEMM/ non-STEM (Humanities, Arts, Literature, and Management) fields of study, taking into account the literature which indicates the differing demands of each field.