Coming to terms with motivation constructs

The field of motivation is beset with a lock of clear definition of motivational constructs and specification of their operation within larger theoretical frameworks. These problems have implications for interpretation of research results and applications to practice. The articles in this collection represent an important step in attaining greater clarity. Future research should be directed toward clarifying conditions under which motivational constructs predict achievement behavior, delineating the role of social processes in motivation, and exploring long-term motivation in the face of obstacles and competing demands. (C) 2000 Academic Press.