The purpose of this study was to test instrumentality theory predictions of work effort. The amount of effort exerted on various tasks by a group of faculty members at a large university in the U.S. was examined. It was found that the modifications of the theory generally led to improved predictions of effort. (JB)

This report presents the results of two experimental studies undertaken to investigate some of the differences in success and failure attributions made by actors and observers in an achievement situation. Causal attributions of a person actually experiencing a success or failure (the actor) and someone who read about the situation (the observer)…

This study examines four hypotheses concerning the nature of fear of success (FOS). Data were gathered in two stages. First, respondents in a large sample survey of metropolitan Detroit area residents were asked to tell a Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) story. In the second stage, white currently-married females aged 18 to 56 whose households…

Five separate studies involving over 12,000 managers were conducted to explore the relationship between personal applications of behavioral science principles and managerial achievement. (Author)

Educationally relevant conceptions of motivation are difficult to establish. A research based model of motivational processes can show how goals for cognitive tasks shape reactions to success and failure and how they influence the quality of cognitive performance. This model can aid in designing programs to change maladaptive motivational…