Development and Validation of the Contextual Achievement Motivation Measure

Abstract

This study investigated the factorial validity of the Contextual Achievement Motivation Measure, assessing achievement motivation in multiple settings with a sample of 493 undergraduate and graduate students. Exploratory factor analysis identified a four-factor model: School (6 items), Employment/Work (6 items), Family (5 items), Community (4 items). These factors accounted for approximately 60% of the variance and correlated in the expected directions with a criterion measure, the Adult Hope Scale. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated that the identified four-factor model fit the data, χ2(182)= 348.10, p< .001; χ2/df = 1.91, Tucker-Lewis index (TLI)= .92, comparison fit index (CFI)= .93, root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) [.058, .080]= .069, and standardized root-mean square residual (SRMR)= .063. In addition, the scale showed partial scalar invariance between genders. Implications, limitations, and suggestions for future research are provided.