She studies the determinants and development of motivation and the relationship between motivation and academic achievement and underachievement. She has most frequently focused on how the provision of choice and support for autonomy may impact motivation and support other achievement related outcomes. Dr. Patall is also interested in how school time and the activities of children outside of school influence their academic achievement. She has studied the effects of extended school time and activities such as parent involvement in schoolwork, homework, and afterschool programs. Finally, Dr. Patall is interested in the development and use of meta-analytic methods in social science research.