An IRT analysis of motive questionnaires: The Unified Motive Scales

Multiple inventories claiming to assess the same explicit motive (achievement, power, or affiliation) show only mediocre convergent validity. In three studies (N = 1685) the structure, nomological net, and content coverage of multiple existing motive scales was investigated with exploratory factor analyses. The analyses revealed four approach factors (achievement, power, affiliation, and intimacy) and a general avoidance factor with a facet structure. New scales (the Unified Motive Scales; UMS) were developed using IRT, reflecting these underlying dimensions. In comparison to existing questionnaires, the UMS have the highest measurement precision and provide short (six-item) and ultra-short (three-item) scales. In a fourth study (N = 96), the UMS demonstrated incremental validity over existing motive scales with respect to several outcome criteria.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Fourteen motive scales (achievement, power, affiliation, intimacy) filled out by n = 1030. ► New scales developed to reflect main dimensions: Unified Motive Scales (UMS). ► Hope and fear scales for all motives. ► Higher measurement precision due to item response scaling. ► Incremental validity for criteria: up to 46% of R2 uniquely predicted by UMS.