In an attempt to explain the evidence which indicates that internal perception of control is positively related to academic achievement, this paper suggests that mediating motivational and cognitive reactions, which differentiate internals from externals, may account for this relationship. Furthermore, on the basis of data which suggest that the…

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…

Objective: Unpaid voluntary faculty members do substantial amounts of teaching in medical schools. This article discusses strategies for recruitment, retention, and development for these individuals. Method: The authors describe a compendium of literature searches and their own experience administering a large medical student education program and…

Self-efficacy, a core construct of Bandura's social cognitive theory, has wide appeal and usefulness in the health and social sciences. Self-efficacy is frequently used across disciplines to assess an individual's beliefs about her likelihood to engage in a certain behavior. Because of the behavioral-change approaches common in rehabilitation…

The paper analyzes fear and hate as motivating forces in entrepreneurship. Fear can drive entrepreneurs, as they attempt to control their fear of poverty, loneliness, and being controlled by others. Hate, such as hatred of sloth and waste or hatred of being told something cannot be done, can also motivate entrepreneurs. (JDD)

Because assessment of student learning is mandated by accrediting bodies, many faculty and administrators feel coerced and so resist or even undermine assessment activities on campuses. In this article, the author describes how a prominent motivation theory called "self-determination theory" can be helpful in understanding the attitudes and…

Discusses the role of an organization's leadership to create an environment where employees can develop a sense of control. Topics include keeping employees informed; clear organizational direction; motivation, that is driven by goals and effort; dealing with success and failure; consistency; group influence; values, incentives, and rewards; and…

In self-regulated learning, metacognitive components are necessary but insufficient. There is a need for a strong learning intention which can compete with other goals, interests, and distracting stimuli. Task accomplishment is an important factor in continued motivation and intention. (JAZ)

Three possibilities through which children find enjoyment in sport are explored: (1) Sport may be considered as play by children; (2) sport may be seen as success-motivating; and (3) children may find sport enjoyable because the activity itself is absorbing. (JN)

Founded in response to the needs of children left homeless in Italy in the wake of World War II, Boys' and Girls' Towns have become international communities of children and adolescents separated from their families or homelands because of domestic violence, famine, war or other forms of social upheaval. The towns have been less subject to many of…

The paper develops a method for learning improvement which incorporates the learner in the development of the learning/instructional strategy. To this end, a rate limiting model using topographical brain mapping as an educational intervention is presented. It is suggested that such intervention programs focus on those factors which are…