Developmental Differences in the Manifestation of Mastery Motivation on Problem-Solving Tasks

Abstract

HARTER, SUSAN. Developmental Differences in the Manifestation of Mastery Motivation on Problem-solving Tasks. CHILD DEVELOPMENT, 1975, 46, 370-378. The relative strength of mastery motivation and need for approval was tested among 4and 10-year-olds. Mastery motivation was defined as the desire to solve problems for the sake of discovering the solution, and need for approval was inferred from responsiveness to social reinforcement. Mastery motivation was the major determinant for older children, particularly boys. Need for approval was important for girls, but not boys. Contrary to prediction, approval was not the major determinant for younger children. They exhibited a form of mastery motivation which involved the repeated production of interesting stimulus events rather than a concern for correctness. A model to account for developmental differences in mastery motivation and need for approval is proposed.

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