Stages of Learning Motivation: Development and Validation of a Measure1

Prochaska and colleagues’ (e.g., Prochaska, DiClemente, & Norcross, 1992) stages-ofchange theory was employed in the current study to reconceptualize the assessment of motivation to learn. We used the stages-of-change framework to develop and test a multidimensional measure of learning motivation using 3 independent samples. The pattern of relationships among the learning stages and learning criteria provided strong support for the appropriateness of using a stage-based perspective to frame learning motivation. In addition, hierarchical regression analysis showed that the Stages of Learning Motivation Inventory (SOLMI) explained variance in the criteria (e.g., exam average, class satisfaction) beyond controls and a commonly used measure of learning motivation. Implications for practice and future research are discussed.