Motivational traits and preferences for different instructional modes in science

Abstract

In this paper, the development and validation of an instrument for determining students’ motivational traits are reported, together with some general results concerning these traits. The findings broadly confirm empirically the existence of the four motivational traits proposed by Adar (1969) that are attributable to students’ need to ‘achieve’, to ‘satisfy their curiosity’, to ‘discharge a duty’ and to ‘affiliate with people’.