RELATIONS OF CHILDRENS MOTIVATION FOR READING TO THE AMOUNT AND BREADTH OF THEIR READING

The authors explored different aspects of children's reading motivatio n and how children's motivation related to the amount and breadth of t heir reading. The reading motives assessed included self-efficacy, int rinsic-extrinsic motivation and goals, and social aspects. Fourth- and 5th-grade children (N = 105) completed a new reading motivation quest ionnaire twice during a school year. Children's reading amount and bre adth were measured using diaries and questionnaires. Children's readin g motivation was found to be multidimensional. Their motivation predic ted children's reading amount and breadth even when previous amount an d breadth were controlled. An intrinsic motivation composite predicted amount and breadth of reading more strongly than did an extrinsic mot ivation composite. Some aspects of girls' reading motivation were more positive than boys'.