Academic Motivation Scale

What it measures

Measures the full self-determination theory (SDT) motivation continuum applied to academic contexts — from amotivation through three forms of extrinsic motivation to three forms of intrinsic motivation. The Relative Autonomy Index (RAI) captures overall autonomous vs. controlled motivation. Widely used in educational psychology and student wellbeing research.

Representative items

• Because I experience pleasure and satisfaction while learning new things. (IM-Knowledge)
• For the pleasure I experience when I succeed at difficult academic activities. (IM-Accomplishment)
• Because I think that a college education will help me better prepare for the career I have chosen. (EM-Identified)
• Because I want to show myself that I can succeed in my studies. (EM-Introjected)
• In order to obtain a more prestigious job later on. (EM-External)

Citation

Vallerand, R.J., Pelletier, L.G., Blais, M.R., Brière, N.M., Senécal, C., & Vallières, E.F. (1992). The Academic Motivation Scale: A measure of intrinsic, extrinsic, and amotivation in education. Educational and Psychological Measurement, 52(4), 1003–1017.