Measurement of motivation and incentive

Abstract

Many theories of motivation employ algebraic models in which motivation acts as an amplifier or multiplier. Such multiplying models can be used as the essential basis for measurement of motivation, incentive, and other theoretical constructs by means of a linear fan analysis from functional measurement. A numerical example is presented, together with discussion of various problems of data analysis. Opportunities, difficulties, and precautions are discussed for extending this approach to test the operant matching law, the postulates of Hull-Spence theory, and general problems of stimulus integration with behavioral response measures. © 1978 Psychonomic Society, Inc.