Achievement Motivation

Definition

Achievement motivation refers to the drive and desire to excel, succeed, and accomplish challenging goals. It is a psychological construct that explains why individuals strive to attain a high level of performance and personal accomplishment, often in the face of obstacles or competition.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Individuals with high achievement motivation are often characterized by a preference for tasks of moderate difficulty, a desire for immediate and concrete feedback on their performance, and a tendency to take personal responsibility for their successes and failures.
2. Achievement motivation is influenced by both personal factors, such as personality traits and past experiences, as well as situational factors, such as the presence of competition or the availability of rewards.
3. The need for achievement is considered one of the three fundamental human needs, along with the need for affiliation and the need for power.
4. Research has shown that achievement motivation is associated with higher academic and professional performance, as well as with greater persistence in the face of challenges and setbacks.
5. Strategies for enhancing achievement motivation include setting specific and challenging goals, providing timely and constructive feedback, and fostering a sense of personal control and responsibility over one's outcomes.

Review Questions

• Describe the key characteristics of individuals with high achievement motivation.
  • Individuals with high achievement motivation typically prefer tasks of moderate difficulty, as they provide an optimal challenge that allows them to demonstrate their competence. They also have a strong desire for immediate and concrete feedback on their performance, as this allows them to assess their progress and make adjustments as needed. Additionally, they tend to take personal responsibility for their successes and failures, rather than attributing their outcomes to external factors.
• Explain the relationship between achievement motivation and performance.
  • Research has consistently shown that achievement motivation is positively associated with higher academic and professional performance. Individuals with a strong drive to excel and succeed are more likely to set challenging goals, persist in the face of obstacles, and put forth the necessary effort to achieve their desired outcomes. This drive to accomplish difficult tasks and reach a high standard of excellence can lead to improved performance in a variety of domains, including education, the workplace, and various competitive settings.
• Discuss strategies that can be used to enhance an individual's achievement motivation.
  • Strategies for enhancing achievement motivation include setting specific and challenging goals that provide a sense of accomplishment when achieved. Providing timely and constructive feedback on an individual's performance can also help to reinforce their progress and motivate them to continue striving for excellence. Additionally, fostering a sense of personal control and responsibility over one's outcomes, rather than attributing success or failure to external factors, can contribute to a stronger achievement motivation. By implementing these strategies, individuals can cultivate a greater drive to excel and succeed in their endeavors.

Related terms

Intrinsic Motivation:

The drive to engage in an activity for its own sake, out of personal interest or enjoyment, rather than for external rewards or pressures.

Extrinsic Motivation:

The drive to engage in an activity in order to obtain a reward or avoid a punishment, rather than for the inherent satisfaction of the activity itself.

Need for Achievement:

The desire to accomplish something difficult, to excel, to compete against a standard of excellence, and to succeed in challenging situations.