Negative Motivation is Half the Story: achievement motivation combines positive and negative motivation

Abstract

Unexpected results from research on test anxiety/fear of failure (Maf) may partly be the consequence of disregarding the positive achievement motivation (Ms) which is also aroused in achievement situations. Influence of Ms was tested by comparing performance scores of groups resulting from simultaneous categorization of Ss on Ms and Maf, each dichotomized into high and low scores. Comparisons were made where Atkinson's theory of achievement motivation (which takes Ms into account) and test anxiety theory (which does not) lead to different predictions.

The first analysis was conducted on previously published data. Tendency of results is in line with predictions based on Atkinson's theory: Ms makes a difference. As significance tests were missing, a new set of data was reanalyzed by ANOVA and t‐tests. The (mostly significant) results of these tests were in the expected direction. A multiple regression analysis also supported the general assumption that Ms makes a contribution in addition to the contribution made by test anxiety.