Given the preponderance of deficit-oriented discourse about Black men and adult learners in higher education, there have not been theoretical frameworks put forth to explain the success of Black male adult learners in higher education. Thus, this article describes the Black male adult learner success theory, which builds on Gilman Whiting's…

Initially drawing from, yet then expanding on the research discussed in this volume, this article discusses specific measures that practitioners, researchers, and policymakers can take to support purpose among youth. Strategies for educators include utilizing practical purpose teaching tools, such as purpose interviews, purpose-related…

Examines motivational processes within different goal/reward structures, i.e., competitive, cooperative, and individualistic. Reviews the results of several studies of teacher and student perceptions of personal ability and success and failure. Discusses educational implications of the authors' conclusion that alternative goal structures lead to…

Although sex differences in achievement-related behaviors have been well documented, recent attempts to account for these differences have focused on either goal orientation or standards. To compare varying explanations for sex differences in achievement and to examine the standards men and women use to define success, two studies were conducted.…

Achievement striving is a central dimension of the Type A behavior pattern. To investigate the relationship between Type A behavior pattern, personal performance goals, and goal achievement on two general information tests, 126 undergraduates participated in a two-phase study. First, behavior patterns were assessed using the Framingham Type A…

A study investigated early aspects of Type A behavior by assessing children's goal setting and parents' aspirations for their children. Teachers of 73 fourth through sixth grade children rated them for Type A behavior. A replication study of parental aspiration findings was conducted. Results show fathers may strongly influence development of Type…

Presents a longitudinal analysis that examines relationships among Australian family environments, adolescents' aspirations, and young adults' status attainment. Findings suggest that early family-environment type may be considered to act as a critical underlying context for the formation of adolescents' perceptions and aspirations, and of their…

A specially designed Life Goals Scale was administered to 303 university students (200 women and 103 men) to assess the relative importance of life goals and relationships. Results indicate that university students place a high value on heterosexual relationships and are willing to sacrifice most other goals for the relationships. (AF)

Reports on a study of competition, motivation, and performance among 60 adolescents in India. Finds that direct competition with another person led to higher levels of immediate performance. Also finds that indirect competition against a pre-set standard resulted in greater intrinsic motivation. (CFR)

This study tested fear of success in women against the competing hypothesis that the interpersonal consequences of deviation from culturally prescribed sex roles restrict women's achievement in traditionally masculine fields. Results suggest that individuals, especially women, who strive to achieve in nontraditional fields may suffer negative…

Reports on a study that examined determinants of intrinsic motivation in a British physical education teacher education course. Finds that both perceived autonomy and competence had effects on intrinsic motivation. Discusses the importance of creating perceptions of autonomy among student teachers. (CFR)

Building on Karabenick's earlier volume on this topic and maintaining its high standards of scholarship and intellectual rigor, this book brings together contemporary work that is theoretically as well as practically important. It highlights current trends in the area and gives expanded attention to applications to teaching and learning. The…