Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 8, 2026
11:29
Measuring the Functional Abilities of Children Aged 3-6 Years Old with Observational Methods and Computer Tools
Published on: June 20, 2020
Assessing motivation for work in people with developmental disabilities
John Rose1, Jane Perks, Merih Fidan
1School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK. j.l.rose@bham.ac.uk
Journal of Intellectual Disabilities : JOID
|October 9, 2010
Summary
This study developed The Work Readiness Scale to assess motivation for employment in individuals with intellectual disabilities. The scale shows promise for evaluating work readiness and tailoring job training programs.
Area of Science:
- Intellectual Disabilities
- Vocational Rehabilitation
- Psychometrics
Background:
- Motivation for work is crucial for employment success in individuals with intellectual disabilities.
- Previous research has overlooked motivational factors in supported employment.
- Understanding motivation can improve job placement and training outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate The Work Readiness Scale.
- To assess the psychometric properties of the new scale.
- To provide a tool for evaluating work motivation in people with intellectual disabilities.
Main Methods:
- Adapted The Readiness to Change Questionnaire.
- Conducted structured interviews with 69 participants with intellectual disabilities.
- Assessed test-retest reliability with a subgroup and staff ratings.
Main Results:
- The Work Readiness Scale demonstrated reasonable psychometric properties.
- The scale may be useful for assessing work motivation.
- Findings suggest the scale can inform the design of targeted training.
Conclusions:
- The Work Readiness Scale is a potentially valuable tool for supported employment services.
- Assessing motivation is key to successful employment for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
- The scale can aid in creating effective, individualized job training programs.
Related Concept Videos
01:17Ryan and Deci's Self-Determination Theory
Self-Determination Theory (SDT), formulated by Richard Ryan and Edward Deci, explains that human motivation is driven by three fundamental psychological needs: autonomy, competence, and relatedness. When these needs are met, individuals experience personal growth, intrinsic motivation, and overall well-being.
Autonomy is the need to feel in control of one's actions and decisions. For example, a student who chooses their research topic is likely to be more engaged and motivated than one who is...
Autonomy is the need to feel in control of one's actions and decisions. For example, a student who chooses their research topic is likely to be more engaged and motivated than one who is...
01:19Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction alongside restrictive and repetitive behaviors or interests. ASD is sometimes accompanied by intellectual impairment.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
01:27Drive-Reduction Theory: Push Theory of Motivation
Clark Hull's drive-reduction theory, introduced in the 1940s and 1950s and often termed the "push theory" of motivation, provides a framework for understanding how biological and learned drives influence behavior. Hull suggested that motivation originates from the need to alleviate physiological tension caused by unmet biological necessities. The theory proposes that when a basic need, such as hunger or sleep, goes unfulfilled, it creates an internal imbalance. This imbalance, or drive, pushes...
01:25Motivational Bias
Cognitive bias results from limitations in thinking and information processing, leading to systematic errors in judgment. Conversely, motivational bias stems from personal desires or emotions, causing distortions in perception to align with self-interest. Motivational bias influences how individuals perceive and attribute causes to events, often shaped by personal needs, goals, and self-esteem preservation. This bias can distort judgment, leading to inaccurate assessments of success, failure,...
01:27Secondary Motives: Power Motivation and Achievement Motivation
Power motivation and achievement motivation are two essential social motives identified by psychologist David McClelland. These motives influence behavior in various personal and professional contexts, shaping how individuals interact with others and pursue their goals.
Power motivation is characterized by the desire to influence, control, or have an impact on others. It is shaped by an individual's experiences, social environment, and cultural context. People with high power motivation are...
Power motivation is characterized by the desire to influence, control, or have an impact on others. It is shaped by an individual's experiences, social environment, and cultural context. People with high power motivation are...
01:29Intellectual Disability
Intellectual disability (ID) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by deficits in intellectual and adaptive functioning that manifest during the developmental period. This condition encompasses challenges in reasoning, memory, problem-solving, and learning, accompanied by impairments in everyday life skills, such as communication, self-care, and social interactions. Intellectual disability affects approximately 1% of the population in the United States, impacting an estimated 5...