Central dynamic traits measured in the school motivation analysis test

Abstract

The School Motivation Analysis Test (SMAT) is an objective instrument which is purported to measure 10 of the major motivational dynamic structures evident in adolescents. Using the matrices of subscale intercorrelations for males and females reported in the SMAT Handbook, quasi-higher-order scale factor analyses of the instrument were undertaken. In addition, a cross-validational analysis was undertaken using a sample of Australian-born Greek adolescents. Results indicated that at least five higher-order SMAT factors accounted for most of the common factor variance. Noteworthy was the finding that both Superego and Self-Sentiment emerged as "master sentiments" among the central dynamic traits. Nevertheless, the degree of variation in higher-order factor pattern solutions across both studies and samples suggested that further refinement of the SMAT is required in order to improve its reliability and robustness.