Exploring the Relationship of Cognitive and Motivational Factors to Sonography Student Performance

Objectives: The purpose of this mixed-methods study was to explore the cognitive and motivational challenges sonography students encounter by examining the relationships between sonography students' levels of self-regulation and self-efficacy and their performance in a 16-week introductory vascular sonography skills laboratory course. Materials and Methods: Measures for the study were designed to yield qualitative and quantitative data related to student goals, strategies, and course performance and were generated by both students and faculty. Qualitative data from the study included student self-reports of self-regulatory strategies and instructor evaluations of student performance, while quantitative data were provided by instructor and student ratings of performance, student self-efficacy ratings, and student reports on their use of deliberate practice. Results: The data showed that many students learning how to perform sonographic examinations encountered motivational challenges that appeared to be tied both to their self-efficacy and their ability to effectively use self-regulatory activities. Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest possibilities for improving sonography's curricular models and teaching strategies toward the goal of making sonography instruction more efficient and effective.