Testing a Process-Product Framework for Conceptualizing Motivation

Abstract

This study explored the idea that motivation for learning can be a process as well as a product: the product being an active state of motivation whereas the process would include the antecedents that created that state. This hypothesis was tested by interviewing 47 university students immediately after normal lectures. Results showed that 89% had experienced an active state of motivation (the product phase) that was influenced by antecedents that included personal characteristics (e.g., self-efficacy, individual interest), temporal personal factors (mood, fatigue), and contextual factors (teacher enthusiasm and “interestingness”). It was concluded that process-product is a potentially useful framework for conceptualizing motivation.