Coming to terms with motivation constructs

The field of motivation is beset with a lock of clear definition of motivat ional constructs and specification of their operation within larger theoret ical frameworks. These problems have implications for interpretation of res earch results and applications to practice. The articles in this collection represent an important step in attaining greater clarity. Future research should be directed toward clarifying conditions under which motivational co nstructs predict achievement behavior, delineating the role of social proce sses in motivation, and exploring long-term motivation in the face of obsta cles and competing demands. (C) 2000 Academic Press.