Abstract
60 male Ss were tested individually for persistence at an insoluble task presented to them as very difficult. They experienced repeated failure at the task but could turn to a similar task described as intermediate in difficulty whenever they wished. Differences in persistence at the initial task were examined between Ss high in n Achievement and low in Test Anxiety (HL) and Ss low in n Achievement and high in Test Anxiety (LH). Results show that: (a) persistence is positively related to initail estimates of probability of success (Ps) at the task for HL Ss (p <.005) but there is no relationship between persistence and initial estimates of Ps for LH Ss; (b) estimates of Ps tend to rise initially and then to fall following repeated failure (p <.05); (c) Ss who persisted at the initial task show a later preference for that task (p <.05). Results are discussed in terms of the "motive-expectancy-value" model. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved).
Original language | English |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 604-609 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Journal of Abnormal and Social Psychology |
Volume | 66 |
Issue number | 6 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Jun 1963 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- ACHIEVEMENT NEED, &
- ANXIETY, PERSISTENCE AT DIFFICULT TASK, &
- NEED ACHIEVEMENT
- PERSISTENCE AT DIFFICULT TASK, &
- SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY
- TEST ANXIETY