Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Date

2022

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education

Department

Instruction & Curriculum Leadership

Committee Chair

Andrew Tawfik

Committee Member

Amanda Rockinson-Szapkiw

Committee Member

Tracy Tuten

Committee Member

Carolyn Kaldon

Abstract

Law enforcement personnel are required to engage in ongoing training as they develop their expertise. This training is mandated at the state and federal level, which effectively removes choice. Especially as law enforcement training continues to move online, it is important to examine the factors that underlie their motivation to participate. However, little literature exists that focuses on law enforcement officers as learners. Furthermore, the examination of training regarding the Self-Determination Theory has primarily focused on in-classroom settings. The purpose of this quantitative, predictive correlational design study was to examine the predictive validity of the basic psychological needs (i.e., perceived autonomy, relatedness, and competence) in an online, case-based training experience on law enforcement officers’ level of intrinsic motivation. This study also considered the moderating relationship of years of experience (i.e., tenure) between the basic psychological needs (i.e., perceived autonomy, relatedness, and competence) and law enforcement officers’ level of intrinsic motivation within the online, case-based training environment. The theoretical framework for this study includes the Self-Determination Theory. Results from a standard multiple regression show a statistically significant model of intrinsic motivation based on the basic psychological needs (Autonomy, Relatedness, and Competence). Results from a hierarchical, moderated multiple regression show a non-statistically significant moderating relationship of years of experience (i.e., Tenure) between the basic psychological needs (Autonomy, Relatedness, and Competence) and intrinsic motivation. Further discussion of theoretical and practical implications are discussed, as well as limitations and areas of future research.

Comments

Data is provided by the student

Library Comment

Dissertation or thesis originally submitted to ProQuest.

Notes

Open Access

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