Abstract

SIMOES, Francisco  and  ALARCAO, Madalena. Assessment of intrinsic motivation for learning: validation of two scales for children and adolescents. Psico-USF [online]. 2011, vol.16, n.3, pp. 265-273. ISSN 1413-8271.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1413-82712011000300003.

The aim of this study was to adapt and validate two brief scales in order to assess the subjective motivation for learning: the Perceived Choice for Learning Scale and the Perceived Competence for Learning Scale. The study involved 510 participants, ages 9-16 years old. After an exploratory data analysis, the study involved the assessment of internal consistency, followed by an exploratory factor analysis of both scales. Convergent validity and temporal stability of the two scales were also tested, along with a differential analysis regarding gender and school level of the participants. The instruments showed moderate to high levels of internal consistency and one-dimensional structures similar to their original versions in English. Several hypotheses concerning convergent validity were also supported by the study. Additional research seems to be recommendable to address temporal stability issues.

Keywords : Motivation; Perceived choice; Perceived competence.