Satisfaction and success in online learning as a function of the needs for affiliation, autonomy, and mastery

Two studies were conducted to examine the relationship between motivational variables and satisfaction and success in online learning. College students enrolled in face-to-face psychology classes and who had taken at least one online course were surveyed. In Study 1, two hypotheses were tested: (1) that high need-for-affiliation students would be less, and (2) that high need-for-autonomy students would be more likely to want to take another online course. Hypothesis 1 was supported (f(4, 53) = 2.56, p < .05) and Hypothesis 2 was not. In Study 2, two hypotheses were tested: Students high in need for mastery would be (1) more satisfied with online learning and (2) more successful in school. Neither of these hypotheses was supported. The results from these two studies suggest that the need for affiliation may play a significant role in a student’s satisfaction with their online learning experience, but that the needs for autonomy and mastery are less important.