Implicit and self-attributed motives to achieve: two separate but interacting needs.
This research examined how implicit and self-attributed needs to achieve (labeled as n Ach and san Ach, respectively) combine with self-referenced and norm-referenced feedback to predict effort-related (task performance) and choice-related (task continuation) indexes of students' engagement in a mental concentration task. In Experiment 1 the authors found that in a task-focused setting, task performance was predicted by the joint effect of self-referenced feedback and n Ach, whereas task continuation was predicted by the joint effect of norm-referenced feedback and san Ach. In Experiment 2 the authors found that in an ego-focused setting, n Ach and san Ach interacted in the prediction of task performance but not of task continuation. In Experiment 3 the authors found that the effects of n Ach and san Ach on students' performance were mediated by the anticipated affective value of achievement outcomes. These findings are discussed in relation to a 2-system approach to achievement motivation.
Brunstein
Joachim C
JC
Department of Psychology, University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany. Joachim.C.Brunstein@psychol.uni-giessen.de
Maier
Günter W
GW
D000124:Achievement; D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D002755:Choice Behavior; D003163:Competitive Behavior; D004532:Ego; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D007721:Knowledge of Results, Psychological; D016013:Likelihood Functions; D008297:Male; D009042:Motivation; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D011582:Psychological Theory; D011930:Reaction Time; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012649:Self Concept; D035501:Uncertainty