Development and examination of an expectancy-based measure of test-taking motivation.

Abstract

A 10-item multidimensional measure of test-taking motivation based on expectancy theory, the Valence, Instrumentality, Expectancy Motivation Scale (VIEMS), was developed using a student sample (N = 90) and tested using 2 samples of job applicants in a field setting (N = 296; N = 246). In Field Study 1, the VIEMS was related to test performance. Hierarchical regression analysis showed that the VIEMS explained variance in test score beyond a general measure of test motivation. In a second longitudinal field study, pretest and posttest perceptions of motivation were compared. Results indicated that expectancy was related to actual test performance, and perceived test performance accounted for variance in posttest reports of motivation after controlling for pretest levels of motivation. Test-taking motivation did not account for variance in test performance differences between African Americans and Whites in either field study.

Sour grapes while you're down and out : self-serving bias and applicant attributions for test performance

“…This self-protective bias is expected because the greatest threat to self-concept occurs in Arvey et aI., 1990). Sanchez et al (2000) found evidence that the VIEMS explained variance above and beyond the TAS-M. They also found evidence Self-Serving Bias 18 that the valence factor of the VIEMS was more highly correlated with the TAS-M than either the instrwnentality or expectancy factor.…”

“…Previous research has indicated that the VIEMS scale contains three distinct factors (Sanchez et al, 2000). However, other research in the field (e.g.…”

“…Test taking motivation was assessed at Tl, T2, T3 and T4 using the Valence, Instrumentality, Expectancy Motivation Scale (VIEMS; Sanchez, Truxillo, & Bauer, 2000), modified for use in the present context. The scale uses five point Likert items with response options ranging from (l) strongly disagree to (5) strongly agree, and contains the three subscales of valence, instrumentality and expectancy based on VIE theory (Vroom, 1964).…”

“…Although previous research has used the VIEMS scale to examine test motivation (Sanchez et al 2000), this is the first study that I am aware of to consider both the effect of expected outcome and actual outcome on these individual motivational components. It is also the first to examine how these three components of TTM are described by applicants after the test and then after receiving an outcome.…”

“…First, Chan and Schmitt (2004) note that almost no studies have examined changes in applicant reactions over time, and those that do (e.g., Bauer, Maertz, Dolen, & Campion, 1998;Ployhart & Ryan, 1997;Sanchez, Truxillo, & Bauer, 2000) generally use a pre-test / post-test design, measuring the same reaction at only two time points. Chan and Schmitt explicitly call for studies that measure reactions in a more longitudinal framework.…”