This study investigated the factorial validity of the Contextual Achievement Motivation Scale, assessing achievement motivation in multiple settings with a sample of 493 undergraduate and graduate students. Exploratory factor analysis identified a four-factor model: School (6 items), Employment/Work (6 items), Family (5 items), Community (4…

The history of ideas guiding the development of an attribution-based theory of motivation is presented. These influences include the search for a "grand" theory of motivation (from drive and expectancy/value theory), an attempt to represent how the past may influence the present and the future (as Thorndike accomplished), and the…

Describes findings challenging the usefulness of the notion that Hawaiian children do well or poorly in school because they possess or lack need for achievement. (JM)

Measurement of females motives to avoid success were evaluated with students taking part in the Horner's Thematic Apperception Tests. Results of the study show that this testing procedure measures a more complex set of attitudes, expectations and personality characteristics than implied by "motive to avoid success" theory. (Author/EK)

The goal state of the intimacy motive was defined as experiencing a warm, close, and communicative exchange with another person. Subjects scoring high on the intimacy motive were rated by friends as more "warm,""natural,""sincere," and "loving," and less "dominant,""outspoken," and…

The quality and stability of sibling relationships during adulthood were assessed by comparing Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) themes of sibling affiliation, conflict, and separation at the periods of active child-rearing (CP) and the empty nest (EN). Thirty men and 30 women, equally divided between the two life stages, were randomly selected…

The study selected as a choice point the return to the University of Oregon of women who had been away from education for at least four years. The youngest woman was 25 and the oldest, 53. Control subjects of similar ages were also tested. The instruments used were the Buhler-Coleman Life Goals Inventory, Vincent's Personal Events Time Scale, and…

Two new paper-and-pencil tests of achievement motivation were compared to two older measures, McClelland's Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) Need Achievement and the Edwards Personal Preference Schedule achievement scale. The results lend support to past findings; namely, that the various achievement measures would appear to be measuring dissimilar…

The relationship between three quantitatively measured Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) scores in a longitudinal sample is examined for correlations and stability. (Author/DEP)

Achievement motivation was successfully measured among male and female college students by having the students rate eight Thematic Apperception Test cards for similarity and scaling the results in two dimensions: number of persons and degree of strong affect. The Rorschach Inkblot Test was not effective in determining need for achievement. (CTM)

Study supported by Research Grant M-3209 from the National Institute of Mental Health

The Personality Research Form and the Achievement Anxiety Test were compared to the Thematic Apperception Test and Mandler-Sarason Test Anxiety Questionnaire. The former were equally reliable and valid measures of motive for success and motive to avoid failure. The ease of administration and scoring would recommend their use to researchers.…

Male and female college undergraduates were classified according to Marcia's identity statuses (achievement, moratorium, foreclosure, and diffusion). Sex differences related to identity status, and relationship of identity status to achievement need, fear of success, fear of failure, and self esteem were also discussed. (CP)

Scales are developed to replace the difficult to administer and score Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) affiliation scales. Functional relationships between such variables as affiliative behavior, conformity behavior, and dependency and affiliative tendency and sensitivity to rejection are educed. (DG)