A questionnaire measure of achievement motivation

Abstract

Conducted 3 studies with 125, 67, and 118 male undergraduates to investigate the possibility of constructing a new questionnaire to measure the achievement motive. Study I started with an initial item pool whose content ranged over 10 aspects thought to be characteristic of an individual who is highly motivated to achieve. Items embodying all except 1 aspect were included in the scale resulting from an item analysis. Study II investigated correlations between need achievement (n Ach) and performance in a neutral and an achievement-oriented condition. Only in the latter were significant correlations found. In Study III, 2 educational programs were compared with regard to their motivational implications. In an unstructured program, a high correlation was found between n Ach and performance, while there was no significant correlation in a structured program. The importance of a theoretical approach stressing relevant situational cues is discussed. (34 ref.) (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)