The Role of Achievement Motive, Anxiety, Stimulus, and Expectancy, on Achievement Motivation in Arithmetic and Thematic Tests

Summary

Atkinson's theory of motivation to achieve in a risk-taking situation was studied for a sample of college men. The independent variables were achievement motive, anxiety, TAT stimulus-pull for achievement and probability of success in an arithmetic task. The criteria were performance on an arithmetic task and manifestation of n-Ach on the TAT. Results supported the use of the TAT but not the arithmetic task as a measure of achievement motivation, and are consistent with earlier studies. The failure of the arithmetic measure was interpreted as due to its confounding of motivation and ability. The importance of the TAT stimulus for subjects who are highly motivated was reflected in the particular sensitivity of cards highly structured for achivement to n-Ach.