title: Little-known truths, quirky anecdotes, seething scandals, and even some science in the history of (primarily achievement) motivation.
abstract: This article presents a history of the study of motivation from approximately 1900-1975, focusing on achievement strivings and containing little-known and often surprising facts about the main contributors to this field. Four theorists are highlighted: David McClelland, Kurt Lewin, John Atkinson, and Fritz Heider, each associated with a different theoretical approach (respectively and in order of historical emergence: trait, Gestalt, expectancy/value, and attribution theory). A fifth conception, drive theory, is also represented. In addition, a number of individuals who influenced these theorists and others who followed them are discussed. The article emphasizes the interrelations between the theorists and the interaction between personal and scientific life.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of California–Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1563, USA. weiner@psych.ucla.edu
authors.forename: Bernard
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Weiner
mesh_terms: D005863:Gestalt Theory / Q000266:history; D049673:History, 20th Century; D009042:Motivation; D011582:Psychological Theory; D011584:Psychology / Q000266:history*
keywords: history; metatheory; motivation/goals