Navigating the Murky Waters of Motivational Climate Measurement: Past Approaches and Future Directions

• In Event: How Do Context and Socializers Shape Motivational Beliefs Across Theoretical Perspectives?

Abstract

Research on motivational climates and microclimates (i.e., students’ shared and idiosyncratic perceptions of motivational classroom features) demonstrates their importance for motivational and achievement-related outcomes. However, a lack of coherent conceptualization and theoretical guidance about the nature of climate perceptions has yielded numerous motivational climate perspectives and measurement approaches. Working towards theoretical integration, we performed a systematic review to identify prominent measurement trends in motivational climate research. Results revealed classroom goal structures and teacher autonomy support as the most frequently measured climate qualities. In addition to providing a guide of existing measurement practices, this review lays a foundation for the continued theoretical advancement of motivational climate. We also call for focused development of instruments targeting less-frequently measured climate constructs.

Authors

• Cole D. Johnson, McGill University

• So Yeon Lee, The University of Alabama at Birmingham

• Rachael Diamant

• Kristy A. Robinson, McGill University