Motivation and Aspiration of Southern Negro College Youth

Abstract

Occupational aspirations are related to motives and expectancies of male students in ten predominantly Negro colleges. Findings indicate that aspirations are positively related to achievement and failure-avoidant motives but more highly related to expectancies (academic self-confidence and sense of personal control). Results differ somewhat according to whether aspirations are measured by occupational prestige, ability demands, or nontraditionality. The study also examines the effects of internal-external bases of expectancies and questions the usual assumption that internal orientations are always positive motivators. Students believing in external control have higher aspirations when externality measures social-system obstacles rather than "fate" and when a generalized "Protestant ethic" belief in internal control accompanies a low sense of one's own competence.

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