Dissertation Abstract

An Investigation to Determine the Influence of Motivational Orientation and Selected Demographic Characteristics of Radiographers on Their Participation in and Application of Continuing Professional Education

This causal-comparative study investigated the influence of motivational orientation and professional, educational, and personal characteristics of certified radiographers on their actual and preferred participation in continuing professional education and the extent of their application on the job of the knowledge and skills acquired through participation. Participation was operationally defined as type of provider used and preferred, type of activity used and preferred, number of contact hours completed and preferred, and number of semester hours completed and preferred. Application of knowledge and skills on the job was measured by the respondents' self-report of this ability.

Data were gathered by a survey instrument and personal interviews. The subjects consisted of certified radiographers employed in 22 hospitals located in seven counties in the Central Florida region. The 295 subjects represented a 73.6% response rate and 36.8% of the population.

Significant differences in the type of provider used and preferred, type of activity used and preferred, number of contact hours completed, and number of semester hours completed and preferred were demonstrated by motivational orientation. A significant difference in application was also demonstrated by motivational orientation. Significant differences in all categories of actual and preferred participation were demonstrated by specific demographic characteristics of the respondents. A consistent pattern of participation was demonstrated for the use of and preference for college providers and activities by educational level. The only demographic variable which demonstrated a significant difference in application was size of hospital employed.

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