A set of motive statements for social comparison was elicited from one group of subjects and then rated in terms of usefulness by a second group of subjects. Analysis of these statements revealed six motives in response to two different hypothetical scenarios: self-evaluation, common bond, self-improvement, self-enhancement, altruism, and…

The internationally accepted definition of gifted children includes a range of factors that contribute to giftedness, but makes no mention of the child's motivation, capacity for self-initiation, or ability to work independently. Using the current definition, schools and teachers remain bound to gifted identification based on academic achievement…

The purpose of this study is to examine the concept of self-actualization, with primary emphasis on the possible correlation to academic achievement exhibited by the students in the Information Systems (Telecommunications) curriculum at the Naval Postgraduate School. The author provides a summary of an extensive review of the literature on the…

The influences on career/achievement motivation of a group of 220 Iranian high school seniors were studied. Community discrimination and resources played strong roles in predicting career motivation. Females as a group scored lower than males in motivation, but females of upper socioeconomic status scored highest of any sub-group. (KH)

A poll of department chairpersons about personal and professional attitudes, motivations, and concerns is reported. Opportunity, challenge, and responsibility were recurring themes. Recommendations are made: giving additional released time, clarifying requirements for promotion, providing credit for accomplishments, publicizing need for unpopular…

The education of Russian high school students is discussed and compared to that of American high school students. The motivation of American students to achieve in academe is being challenged by the desire for instant gratification from television. (SA)

Briefly describes a hiking activity developed by high school counselors to provide challenges to themselves in order to discover their own problem-solving abilities and skills. (CJ)

Analyzes historical and contemporary cases where outstanding achievement resulted despite the lack of a strongly supportive environment. It concludes that personal strengths of the individual are the key factor in overcoming deficiencies in environmental support. Models of Feldman, Piirto, Tannenbaum, and Gagne are applied to the development of…

An expectancy of criticism scale was devised in order to measure children's expectations of giving criticism to and receiving criticism from different agents for public achievement efforts in class. Scores on the Children's Social Desirability Scale (CSD) and teacher ratings of amount of criticism the children received and of their participation…

In a study focusing on intrinsic motivation as a possible approach to improving the motivation and productivity of Air Force personnel, a factors list was generated from a literature review and intuitive analysis. Performance feedback was selected for further study. Fourteen feedback dimensions were identified and defined; and a number of…

The Maslow Hierarchy of Needs was reviewed and implications were sought for adult education theory, program planning and operation, promotional activities, and program evaluation. Maslow's work suggested self-actualization as an ultimate goal, meaning that adult education programs should be structured to foster both the acquisition of facts,…

This chapter reviews selected materials in psychology that are related to the nature of man and his development and that are relevant to a humanistic system of education. Humanistic is used to indicate a concern with the learner as a whole person rather than simply as a disembodied intellect or repository of cognitive processes. In reviewing the…

Discusses the motivation of faculty for effective teaching. Describes five stages in faculty growth and development. Suggests some implications of career phases and motivational studies. Lists 22 references. (YP)