This study aimed to clarify the qualitative characteristics of technological project-based learning, which begins with problem-finding and task-setting, by focusing on changes in psychological ownership. Using SCAT (Steps for Coding And Theorization) for qualitative analysis, we examined interview data from learners who received high evaluations in a STEAM education curriculum. The results revealed that during the Problem-Finding and Task-Setting phase, a moderate increase in psychological ownership occurred through the fulfillment of self-identity driven by originality. However, psychological ownership declined during the phase of encountering difficulties in problem resolution. At this stage, learners engaged in bricolage-like information utilization, gathering diverse information, exchanging opinions, and integrating the information in their unique ways, which led to alignment with potential "Seeds" (technical elements possessed by oneself) for solutions. This transformation into manageable tasks enhanced learners' sense of efficacy, effectance motivation, and sense of belonging, resulting in improved psychological ownership. Furthermore, throughout the creative problem-solving process, learners implemented Quick & Dirty prototyping and received rapid feedback and made iterative refinements. This process steadily shaped their ideas, sustaining and further enhancing psychological ownership.
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