Factor Structure of the Achievement Motives Scale (AMS): Two Factors — Two Samples

Christophersen, K.A. & Rand, P. 1982. Factor Structure of the Achievement Motives Scale (AMS): Two Factors ‐ Two Samples. Scandinavian Journal of Educational Research 26, 13‐28. Gjesme and Nygård have constructed a theory based scale for the measurement of achievement motives. The theory of McClelland and Atkinson presupposes separate measures for the tendencies to approach success and avoid failure. A factor analytical study was conducted in order to assess the degree to which the constructors have succeeded in developing two homogeneous scales which do not overlap. Both factor analyses and correlations between scales show that the scales measure different variables.