MENTAL MODEL · M2016

Achievement Motivation Theory

BehaviorHigh supportPsychology

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Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30

CORE DEFINITION

McClelland and Atkinson proposed that individuals in achievement situations are driven by two motives: the motive to pursue success and the motive to avoid failure, which determine their behavioral tendencies.

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

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Reduce cognitive load

Achievement Motivation Theory is a theory developed by American psychologists David McClelland and John William Atkinson, based on the concept of need for achievement proposed by H.A. Murray.

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Achievement motivation is an internal drive to pursue high standards and succeed at tasks, composed of the expectation of success and the fear of failure (Atkinson's expectancy-value model). Individuals with high achievement motivation prefer tasks of moderate difficulty—challenging yet influenceable by effort. Achievement motivation can be shaped by experience, culture, and socialization.

MINIMUM ACTION

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Practice this model in one real situation:

Assess an individual's level of achievement motivation and preference for task difficulty. Set moderately challenging goals that are attainable with effort. Provide timely and clear feedback on progress to reinforce a sense of control. Create a safe atmosphere that allows failure, reducing excessive anxiety about failure. Break large goals into achievable milestones.

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Source support: Explicit

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zh.wikipedia.orghttps://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E6%88%90%E5%B0%B1%E5%8A%A8%E6%9C%BA%E7%90%86%E8%AE%BAZH · Explicit
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