Dimensions of adolescent motivation as measured by higher-order factors in the school motivation analysis test

Abstract

Although previous analyses of higher-order motivational dimensions have suggested at least seven major dynamic traits among adults, corresponding analyses among adolescents have not yet been undertaken in any satisfactory manner. To this end, the present article reports the results of a higher-order factor analysis of the subscale intercorrelations for the School Motivation Analysis Test (SMAT) on an Australian sample of 277 Year 10 students enrolled in various senior high schools. The results suggest that at least six factors maximally account for the common variance in the SMAT. Tentative interpretations of the higher-order factors cbtained are made and discussed in terms of their applicab..