Motivational Determinants of Children's Probability Learning

Abstract

Abstract We studied performance on the probability-learning task, a discrimination task with three alternatives, only one of which gets 66% reinforcement. The goals were to examine the relations of maximizing—namely, choosing the reinforced alternative—to success-oriented motivational variables and IQs in the two genders and in two age groups. The Wechsler-Bellevue test (Lieblich, Ben-Shahar, & Ninio, 1975) and tasks assessing probability learning, expectancy of success, delay of gratification, and risk-taking were administered individually. Correlations, factor analyses, and multiple regression analyses showed that maximizing was correlated negatively with the motivational variables in both age groups and that in combination with them it accounted for the bulk of the variance. It also correlated negatively with IQ more in older subjects than in younger subjects. We also addressed the multiple motivational determinants of maximizing and the direct cognitive and indirect motivational impact of IQ on perfor...