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Published on: September 11, 2021
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Re-Examination of the Reciprocal Relation Between Intrinsic Motivation and Competence Beliefs in Math Using the
Patrick Paschke1, Ricarda Steinmayr1, Alica Mertens2
1Institute of Psychology, Technical University Dortmund, Dortmund, Germany.
Child Development
|September 4, 2025
Summary
This study examined reciprocal relations between competence beliefs and intrinsic motivation using random-intercept cross-lagged panel models (RI-CLPMs). Results showed minimal evidence for these reciprocal relationships in elementary school students.
Area of Science:
- Educational Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Quantitative Psychology
Background:
- Cross-lagged panel models (CLPMs) have yielded inconsistent findings on the reciprocal relationship between competence beliefs and intrinsic motivation.
- Concerns exist regarding the validity of causal inferences from traditional CLPMs in specific contexts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the reciprocal relations between competence beliefs and intrinsic motivation.
- To address limitations of CLPMs by employing random-intercept cross-lagged panel models (RI-CLPMs).
Main Methods:
- Analysis of two independent datasets comprising elementary school students (N=670 and N=542).
- Application of random-intercept cross-lagged panel models (RI-CLPMs) to assess longitudinal associations.
- Measurement of competence beliefs and intrinsic motivation over time.
Main Results:
- Little to no evidence was found to support reciprocal relationships between competence beliefs and intrinsic motivation.
- RI-CLPMs provided a more nuanced examination of the dynamic interplay between these constructs.
Conclusions:
- The findings challenge the notion of strong reciprocal influences between competence beliefs and intrinsic motivation in early academic development.
- Methodological advancements like RI-CLPMs are crucial for accurate causal inference in developmental research.
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