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Skill and Motivation as Separable Components of Performance

Author(s):
Greenwald, Anthony G.
Publication Year:
1964
Report Number:
RB-64-47
Source:
ETS Research Bulletin
Document Type:
Report
Page Count:
16
Subject/Key Words:
United States Public Health Service (USPHS), Competence, Motivation, Music, Performance Factors, Skills

Abstract

A music learning experiment was performed, illustrating the possibility of isolating certain components of performance (labeled Skill and Motivation) by using separate measurement situations for each. Straightforward application of Hullian theory--which considers that component factors of performance interact prior to overt behavior and are not thus separable in measurement situations--to the experiment's data led to a self-contradiction. It was shown, further, that Hull's theory could be considered consistent with the present data only when certain assumptions of dubious plausibility were made.

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