Motivational Needs of Secondary Family & Consumer Sciences Students

Abstract

This study examined North Dakota junior and senior high school FCS students’ perceptions of their motivational needs. The survey instrument used was created by Turner & Herren (1997). The questionnaire measured the motivational needs for achievement, affiliation, and power from McClelland’s (1987) theory of motivation. 175 secondary, junior and senior, students completed web-based questionnaires. One-way ANOVAs were run to determine the influence of independent variables (grade level, GPA, gender, race/ethnicity, and FCCLA membership) on the three motivational needs (achievement, affiliation, and power). The data indicated that FCS students expressed the greatest need for achievement. Females have a greater need than males for achievement. FCCLA members have a greater need for power and achievement than non-FCCLA members. The study also showed that students with GPAs of 3.5-4.0 show a greater need for power than those with GPAs of 2.5-2.99 and a greater need for achievement than those with GPAs of 2.0-2.99.