Senior psychology major Brendan Cartin presented his research at the 96th annual conference for the Eastern Psychological Association. His study explores how to increase student motivation through preparing of coursework and provides data into how goal-setting and motivation strategies help students succeed academically. 

“I would like to thank Dr. Hatvany and Shippensburg University for making this happen,” Cartin said.

Cartin became interested in the psychology program at Ship through Suzanne Morin, department chair and professor of psychology. “I was inspired to pursue psychology at Shippensburg because of how helpful Dr. Morin was with explaining the program,” he said. He specifically enjoyed that the program offered both a graduate school track and a career-readiness path.

Throughout Cartin’s time at Ship, Hatvany has continued to motivate him to pursue research opportunities. “Dr. Hatvany has been one of the biggest influences in my academic development since arriving at Shippensburg,” he said. Hatvany’s research and knowledge of motivation theory helped Cartin develop his research.  “There would be times in his office hours where I’d be learning something completely new that I didn’t even know was out there.” 

Cartin’s research included how promotion-focused versus prevention-focused motivational approaches impacted student performance. Although the sample size was small, he noted a significant difference in grades between the two groups. “If I was to take anything away from this research, it would be to try to focus on achieving gains rather than avoiding losses,” Cartin said. He encourages psychology students interested in motivation theory to review the work of Tory E. Higgins and Regulatory Focus Theory. 

To any student interested in conducting research, Cartin strongly recommends the experience. “If you are not confident in starting one on your own, ask around and see who else is doing one and how you can contribute,” he recommended.  Cartin also encouraged students to attend conferences and present their research. 

Beyond Cartin’s psychology research, he is also a Career Ambassador at Shippensburg’s Career Center. He noted that within his role in the career center, he enjoys helping students with their resumes and approving job postings, and he shouted out several staff members for helping him prepare for a future career in industrial/organizational psychology.  “Victoria Kerr, Carole Rosenberry and the rest of our wonderful staff have all been monumental to my growth as an employee.”

Cartin is also preparing for a career in industrial/organizational psychology through his human resources internship at Henkels & McCoy, where he takes pride in facilitating communication within the workplace. “I had a great time presenting the forms of microaggressions and how we as employees can strengthen relationships with each other through inclusive communication,” he said.

As he continues to gain real-world experience and prepare for the workforce, Cartin continues to remain active on campus by participating as a model in Ship’s Sailing Into Success Fashion Show on March 20, and will be working at the Job and Internship Fair on March 27.“I recommend all students to attend the Job and Internship Fair and network with the many professionals that will be there.”

For more information and employers attending the Job & Internship Fair on Thursday, March 27 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at ShipRec, visit here.