Deci and Ryan (1985, 2001) have proposed that there are three fundamental needs that are required for human growth and fulfillment: relatedness, autonomy, and competence. Susan predicts that students who have these needs met in their psychology class feel happier and more satisfied with the class. She collects data and finds that students who feel more related and competent do feel happier but that feeling more autonomous does not seem to matter. Susan thinks that maybe autonomy is only necessary when people are in situations in which they are not being evaluated.
Susan's prediction that students who have all three needs met will experience greater satisfaction with their psychology class is an example of which of the following?
A)A theory
B)A hypothesis
C)Data
D)Research

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Susan's prediction is a hypothesis, which is a tentative statement about the relationship between two or more variables. It is not a theory, which is a well-supported explanation of a natural phenomenon. It is also not data or research, which are the results obtained from a study or investigation.

Deci and Ryan (1985, 2001) Have Proposed That There Are