Task Instructions for Motivation

Overseen By Vishnu Murty, PhD

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Temple University

Must not be taking: Blood flow, Alertness

Disqualifiers: Head injury, CNS illness, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 2

80 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores how motivation affects learning. Participants will perform a treasure-hunting task while undergoing brain imaging. The goal is to determine how different task instructions influence learning and recall. The trial seeks individuals with good eyesight and overall good health, excluding those with a history of head injuries or certain medical conditions. As an unphased study, this trial offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the scientific understanding of learning and motivation.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

If your current medications affect blood flow response or alertness, you will need to stop taking them to participate in this trial.

What prior data suggests that this task is safe for participants?

Research shows that the instructions used in this trial are generally safe for participants. Studies have found that these instructions can boost motivation and performance. Clear instructions and motivational systems help people feel more engaged and focused on their tasks, leading to better results without safety concerns.

No known negative effects are linked to the instructions in this study. Since the trial involves mental activities rather than medical treatments, the risk of harm remains very low. Participants will likely find the process safe and easy to follow. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about this trial because it explores how task instructions can influence motivation in participants. Unlike traditional methods that might rely on external rewards or consequences, this approach investigates whether simply changing how tasks are presented can impact motivation. By testing different types of task instructions, the trial aims to uncover whether a simple, cost-effective adjustment could lead to significant improvements in motivation, potentially changing how we approach motivation in various settings like education or the workplace.

What evidence suggests that this trial's task instructions could be effective for motivation?

Research shows that people feel more motivated when they believe their efforts lead to positive results. Motivation increases when tasks seem important and likely to yield good outcomes. In schools and workplaces, strategies that boost motivation link to better performance. For example, motivational theories suggest that connecting tasks to personal goals makes them more interesting and rewarding. This trial will explore the impact of task instructions designed to increase motivation. These findings suggest that such instructions can help participants engage more and achieve better results in various settings. ^{6 7 8 9 10}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for individuals interested in a study on motivation. Specific eligibility criteria are not provided, so it's likely open to adults who can follow task instructions and undergo neuroimaging.

Inclusion Criteria

In good medical health

20/40 far acuity (either corrected or uncorrected)

Exclusion Criteria

Claustrophobia

I weigh more than 250lbs.

Consumption of smoking and/or coffee 30 minutes prior to laboratory testing

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Neuroimaging Task

Participants complete a treasure task during neuroimaging to learn which keys open a treasure chest, involving hypothesis testing and control runs.

Approximately 1 week

Multiple sessions (in-person)

Immediate Memory Test

Participants complete an immediate item memory test following the encoding phase.

1 day

1 visit (in-person)

Delayed Memory Test

Participants complete a delayed item memory test 24 hours after the immediate test.

1 day

1 visit (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after the neuroimaging and memory tests.

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Task Instructions

Trial Overview The study involves participants completing a 'treasure task' during neuroimaging to understand how the brain engages when motivated by rewards. They'll learn which keys open a chest and recall its contents.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Motivation Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Trials in which participants are motivated by hypothesis testing or not.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Temple University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

321

Recruited

89,100+

Published Research Related to This Trial

A study involving 340 type 2 diabetes patients identified three key areas influencing their motivation to change health behaviors: willingness to make changes, perceived ability to maintain changes, and the belief that these changes are worthwhile.

The findings suggest that higher perceived ability and feelings of worthwhileness correlate with better psychosocial and behavioral management, indicating that addressing these attitudes can enhance patient motivation for behavior change.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Motivation and attitudes toward changing health (MATCH): A new patient-reported measure to inform clinical conversations. Hessler, DM., Fisher, L., Polonsky, WH., et al.[2019]

Spontaneous adverse event reports are crucial for regulatory decision-making during the postmarketing phase, despite being biased and incomplete.

There is a need for further research to enhance the understanding of adverse event reporting and the motivations of reporters, which could improve the quality and quantity of these important data.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Epidemiologists and adverse event data--a challenge to the field. Bortnichak, EA., Dai, WS.[2004]

The field of motivation lacks clear definitions and frameworks, which complicates the interpretation of research findings and their practical applications.

Future research should focus on understanding how motivational constructs influence achievement behavior, the impact of social processes on motivation, and how to maintain motivation over time despite challenges.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Coming to Terms with Motivation Constructs. Schunk, DH.[2019]

In two studies involving a computer game, the impact of performance instructions on intrinsic motivation was influenced by contextual cues, such as prior performance feedback and the emphasis on skill versus fantasy.

When instructions matched the perceived goals of the activity, participants reported greater positive feelings, indicating that aligning instructions with goal salience can enhance motivation rather than diminish it.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of instruction on intrinsic interest: the importance of context. Sansone, C., Sachau, DA., Weir, C.[2019]

The study identified and validated 25 autonomy-supportive motivational strategies for teachers, based on Self-Determination Theory, aimed at enhancing student motivation in physical education classes.

These strategies were organized by perceived difficulty and their implementation was analyzed, providing a structured approach for teachers to foster a motivating learning environment that supports student autonomy.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Proposal for Modeling Motivational Strategies for Autonomy Support in Physical Education. Moreno-Murcia, JA., Barrachina-Peris, J., Ballester Campillo, M., et al.[2021]

The definition of an adverse drug event (ADE) should be tailored to the specific purpose of the evaluation, with stricter definitions needed for scientific studies and more flexible ones for clinical use.

Postmarketing safety data for drugs is limited at launch, but can be supplemented through systems like the FDA's Spontaneous Reporting System and targeted research projects, emphasizing the importance of robust epidemiological evidence for regulatory actions like drug recalls.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Adverse drug events: identification and attribution. Rogers, AS.[2022]

The web-based adverse event tracking system (eAETS) has effectively supported 175 clinical protocols over four years, capturing 2,440 adverse event reports, including minor symptoms that could indicate serious issues.

Out of the reported AEs, 1,053 did not align with the initial risk profiles, leading to corrective recommendations in 13% of the protocols, highlighting the system's role in enhancing subject safety by identifying unanticipated patterns.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The impact of minor adverse event tracking on subject safety: a web-based system. Shenvi, NV., Gebhart, SS.[2009]

Participants with low intrinsic motivation exerted more effort on tasks labeled as 'easy' compared to those labeled as 'difficult', even though both tasks were impossible to solve, indicating that perceived task difficulty influences effort levels.

When participants received positive feedback on their performance, they were able to maintain motivation and put in more effort on challenging tasks, suggesting that positive outcomes can enhance motivation and effort in learning situations.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Motivational influences of task difficulty information on task effort]. Ichimura, K., Ueda, Y., Kusumi, T.[2019]

Task rules in an open-ended writing activity can enhance intrinsic motivation by providing a clearer sense of direction, as shown in experiments with 1,176 participants, but they can also reduce feelings of psychological freedom, which may negatively impact enjoyment.

Specifically, the presence of task rules was found to significantly increase direction and decrease freedom, indicating that while structure can guide creativity, it may also constrain it, highlighting a complex relationship between rules and intrinsic motivation.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

More direction but less freedom? How task rules affect intrinsic motivation. Mutter, ER., Liu, Z., Gollwitzer, PM., et al.[2023]

In 2001, there were approximately 4.3 million visits to healthcare facilities in the U.S. due to adverse drug events (VADEs), indicating a significant patient safety concern.

The study found that VADEs were more common in elderly patients aged 65-74 and in females, highlighting the need for targeted safety measures in these populations.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Ambulatory care visits for treating adverse drug effects in the United States, 1995-2001. Zhan, C., Arispe, I., Kelley, E., et al.[2019]

The systematic review identified 12 different tools for measuring patient motivation in treatment, but most of these tools had poor quality ratings and serious methodological limitations.

There is a significant gap in the availability of reliable and valid measurement tools for patient motivation, as many did not use a theoretical framework or provide a clear definition of motivation.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Assessing Patient Motivation for Treatment: A Systematic Review of Available Tools, Their Measurement Properties, and Conceptual Definition. Shankar, S., Miller, WC., Roberson, ND., et al.[2020]

Integrating patient-reported outcomes data into the management of chronic, non-cancer pain can significantly guide improvements in patient care and outcomes.

Standardizing care processes and using valid outcome measurement tools can enhance the effectiveness of treatment while minimizing the burden on patients and healthcare providers.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Can assessing chronic pain outcomes data improve outcomes? Witkin, LR., Farrar, JT., Ashburn, MA.[2019]

In a study analyzing 1,567,659 hospital discharges in Spain from 2005-2007, 96,607 adverse drug events (ADEs) were identified, representing 5.55% of all discharges, with a significant portion (82.86%) deemed not preventable.

The study found that adverse drug reactions (ADRs) were more common in women and led to longer hospital stays, highlighting the importance of monitoring and reporting ADEs for improving patient safety.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Adverse drug events in patients hospitalized in internal medicine]. Zapatero Gaviria, A., Barba, R., Ruiz Giardin, JM., et al.[2013]

A pilot study involving 150 occupational therapists revealed that most evaluate patient motivation informally, primarily through discussions and observations, rather than structured methods.

Despite the informal evaluation methods, many therapists believe that assessing motivation positively impacts their treatment approaches and outcomes, suggesting a need for better training in motivation assessment.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Evaluating patient motivation in physical disabilities practice settings. Carlson, JL.[2019]

In a study of 80 participants with generalized anxiety disorder undergoing cognitive behavioral therapy, both self-efficacy and outcome expectations increased, leading to a reduction in symptoms during and after treatment.

At the individual level, higher self-efficacy was linked to decreased worry and depressive symptoms, while the overall patient group showed a surprising positive correlation between self-efficacy and worry, indicating that individual and group dynamics in therapy can have different effects on symptom change.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Within- and between-patients associations between self-efficacy, outcome expectation, and symptom change in cognitive behavioral therapy for generalized anxiety disorder. Vîslă, A., Allemand, M., Flückiger, C.[2023]

Citations

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10 strategies that promote motivation Motivation, self-efficacy and achievement are positively affected when outcomes are represented as the result of student effort and action.

2. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8254449/

The motivational system of task values and anticipated ... This study integrates theories of achievement motivation and emotion to investigate daily academic behavior in an undergraduate online course.

3. files.eric.ed.gov files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1249810.pdf

Exploring Motivational Strategies, Outcomes, and Theories ... A connection between motivational theory usage and CDE preparation can help teachers to see where their current strategies lie and what gaps are present in ...

4. indeed.com indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/strategies-for-motivating-employees

15 Strategies For Motivating Employees (Plus Importance) In this article, we discuss why it's important to motivate employees and provide several employee motivation techniques and strategies.

5. spinify.com spinify.com/blog/turn-tasks-into-motivation-expert-tips-to-elevate-your-work/

Turn Tasks into Motivation: Expert Tips to Elevate Your Work In this article, we'll explore different creative ways leaders in the workplace can turn mundane tasks into motivation with simple task motivation techniques ...

6. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0099133323001362

Cognitive and motivational qualities of task instruction Task instructions, enabling students to regulate their achievement processes, are assumed to increase their perceived motivational quality.

7. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8150325/

Improving the Safety–Performance Nexus OHSM practices positively influence both safety and task performance, with work motivation moderating and partially mediating this relationship.

8. sciendo.com sciendo.com/2/v2/download/article/10.2478/czoto-2024-0037.pdf

THE IMPACT OF MOTIVATION EMPLOYEERS OF THEIR ... An appropriate motivational system, organizational culture, and management behavior influence employee safety. Rewards and training also help ...

9. wi-bpdd.org wi-bpdd.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/SystematicInstructionTrainingandMotivation.pdf

systematic Instruction Training and Motivation Facilitators can use systematic instruction strategies to suggest that employers carefully consider the need for accurate and usable information to be available ...

10. ehsinsight.com ehsinsight.com/blog/best-ways-to-motivate-employees-to-become-more-safety-conscious

Best Ways to Motivate Employees to Become More Safety ... Motivate safety consciousness by having leaders set an example, using positive reinforcement, seeking feedback, holding safety weeks, and offering incentives.