Raising Academic Motivation in Lower Class Adolescents: A Convergence of Two Research Traditions

This paper argues for the desirability of integrating two research traditions in the study of adolescent behavior. One is concerned primarily with the normal functioning of adolescent society, the other with the design of reward structures to foster academic achievement. Specifically, it is suggested that a combination of material inducements with a reward structure emphasizing peer group attainment can provide an effective strategy for motivating lowerclass adolescents.