Language Learning Metamotivation
The Scientific Research, Innovation, and Graduate Studies Unit of the College of Languages and Translation at King Khalid University organized a webinar featuring Dr. Ali H. Al-Hoorie on December 4, 2024. During the event, he discussed the topic "Language Learning Metamotivation."
Dr. Ali H. Al-Hoorie opened his presentation by asking the audience to compare the rate of progress in the social sciences with that of the hard sciences, such as physics, medicine, and chemistry. Their responses proved thought-provoking. Before introducing the concept of Metamotivation, he discussed human intuition, emphasizing that people possess a refined intuition about psychology and social life. This intuitive understanding, he noted, can hinder the acceptance or generation of novel ideas. Conversely, if a research finding is counterintuitive—meaning it does not unfold as the researcher initially expects—there may be a risk that the result is incorrect. In such instances, he stressed, replication becomes crucial to ensuring the trustworthiness of the research.
While explaining self-determination theory—which outlines the various phases of the motivation process—Al-Hoorie defined the terms amotivation, extrinsic motivation, and intrinsic motivation. He then highlighted the factors influencing how individuals become motivated.
Al-Hoorie discussed the basic psychological needs underlying motivation: autonomy, competence, and relatedness. He explained that autonomy refers to having a sense of agency and the freedom to make independent choices, competence pertains to the ability to carry out actions effectively, and relatedness involves feeling socially connected. He also provided a detailed explanation of how people’s behavior changes when influenced by incentives.
The webinar proved highly engaging and, overall, was a considerable success.
