DIFFERENCES IN THE LEVEL OF MOTIVE IMPORTANCE BASED ON TRIP OUTCOME, EXPERIENCE LEVEL AND GROUP TYPE

This study investigated whether there are differences in the levels of motive importance based on trip success and group membership. Success was defined as reaching the summit of Mt. McKinley. Group type was ca tegorized into guided, independent, or solo climbers. Data were analyz ed on individual motives. In addition, a principal components factor a nalysis with varimax rotation generated five factors that were then us ed as an organizing frame-work for further analyses. Levels of motive importance on both the factors and individual items were compared on o utcome, experience-level and group type. Relative to trip outcome, sig nificant differences in motive importance were observed on 20 of 31 it ems and three of the five factors. Climbers reporting failure indicate d higher levels of importance for disengagement, photography, wilderne ss and scenery. Using group type, two factors (Exhilaration/Excitement and Social Aspects) and 10 items generated significant differences. I ndividuals from guided groups reported higher levels of motive importa nce than solo climbers. The exception to this pattern was for the Cath arsis/Escape factor, where solo climbers generally reported higher val ues. It was argued that the data provide partial support for a ''motiv ational matching'' concept.