Self-Determination Theory (Deci & Ryan, 1985) provides a general framework for motivation and its sources. The theory has been applied to education to describe why individuals retain information (Pennsylvania State University, n.d.; Ryan & Deci, 2000). Students are more likely to be successful in retaining information given to them when they find meaning or purpose in the lesson. If students perceive relevant connections between what they’re learning in school and their current life or future goals, they are more likely to take it seriously and become successful in learning the material (Pennsylvania State University, n.d.). We believe, therefore, that prior exposure to traumatic events and injury, interest in premedical programs, and the perception that experiencing a traumatic event or injury is likely will all lead to increases in the retention of bleed control training. ​