Scale of Intrinsic vs Extrinsic Orientation

This is a learning orientation scale in which 5 dimensions are defined by an intrinsic and an extrinsic pole: preference for challenge vs preference for easy work, curiosity/interest vs teacher approval, independent mastery attempts vs dependence on the teacher, independent judgment vs reliance on the teacher's judgment, and internal vs external criteria for success/failure.

Constructs Being Measured
Primary: 
Motivation
Secondary: 
Cognitive well-being
How to Access and Cite

To access the resource, visit https://portfolio.du.edu/downloadItem/232241

Outcome Families
Well-being
Connectedness
Awareness
Agency
Mastery
Programmatic Purpose
Classroom-level data and feedback
Program-level monitoring and evaluation
Instrument Characteristics
Type of items: 

Self and Teacher ratings
Five subscales, each contains six items

Original target population: 

Primary and Secondary students

Format: 
Observation scale
Applicable Grade Levels
Pre-primary
Primary
Secondary
Post-secondary
Supporting Research

Harter, Susan. (1981). A New Self-Report Scale of Intrinsic Versus Extrinsic Orientation in the Classroom: Motivational and Informational Components. Developmental Psychology. 17. 300-312. 10.1037/0012-1649.17.3.300.

Points to Consider

For more guidance on measuring student learning and best practices in adapting measurement tools to your contexts, check out the Portal page on Monitoring and Evaluation. You can also contact Alvin Vista (Knowledge Lead, Student Outcomes) and Robbie Dean (Director of Research) for specific questions.