A Study On The Effects Of Intrinsic Motivation On Second Language Learning Achievement

The purpose of this thesis is to investigate the effects of intrinsic motivation on second language (L2) learning achievement. On the basis of Self-Determination Theory proposed by Deci and Ryan, a questionnaire is designed and administered to examine the effects of intrinsic motivation on L2 learning achievement, with English majors of Harbin Engineering University as participants and their scores of TEM-4 (Test for English Majors) as the dependent variable. By means of SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Science) program, a comprehensive analysis is carried out and the findings show that students with strong intrinsic motivation get high score of TEM-4, while students with weak intrinsic motivation get low score of TEM-4. Intrinsic motivation can be categorized into three types—knowledge, accomplishment and stimulation, a further analysis is made and the findings indicate that knowledge has the greatest impact on L2 learning achievement. The analysis also finds that intrinsic motivation has much more impact on score of TEM-4 than extrinsic motivation. The study suggests that strong intrinsic motivation leads to better achievement. This paper also proposes several strategies to enhance intrinsic motivation of L2 learners.