An Achievement Goal Theory Perspective on Issues in Motivation Terminology, Theory, and Research

There are a number of important issues raised by Murphy and Alexander in the lead article of this issue. In this response, four general issues are discussed in light of current research and achievement goal theory. The four issues include: (1) the general definition and theoretical clarity of motivational constructs, (2) the accessibility and consciousness of motivational beliefs, (3) the interdependent or independent nature of the relations between motivational constructs, and (4) the stability of motivation over time, domains, and contexts. These issues are considered in the context of current achievement goal theory research with the hope that the discussion will help to clarify the four issues for both motivational theory and research in general as well as for specific theoretical and empirical efforts within goal theory research. Copyright 2000 Academic Press.