Development and examination of an expectancy-based measure of test-taking motivation

A 10-item multidimensional measure of test-taking motivation based on expec tancy theory, the Valence, Instrumentality, Expectancy Motivation Scale (VI EMS), was developed using a student sample (N = 90) and tested using 2 samp les of job applicants in a field settings (N = 296; N = 246). In Field Stud y 1, the VIEMS was related to test performance. Hierarchical regression ana lysis showed that the VIEMS explained variance in test score beyond a gener al measure of rest motivation. In a second longitudinal field study, pretes t and posttest perceptions of motivation were compared. Results indicated t hat expectancy was related to actual test performance, and perceived test p erformance accounted for variance in posttest reports of motivation after c ontrolling for pretest levels of motivation. Test-taking motivation did not account for variance in test performance differences between African Ameri cans and Whites in either field study.