Making Learning Real: Design Principles and Evidence for Applied Learning in Schools
Category: Student Learning
Instrument Overview
Expert Notes AvailableView expert commentary on strengths and cautions for this instrument
Strengths
Validated across a wide range of educational and experimental contexts.
Cautions
Scores reflect students’ motivation for the particular activity being assessed, not their overall or enduring level of intrinsic motivation.
The Intrinsic Motivation Inventory (IMI) is a multidimensional survey. It measures how much interest and enjoyment a student feels during a specific activity. This tool is based on Self-Determination Theory (SDT). It assesses three basic needs: competence, autonomy, and relatedness. When schools meet these needs, students show better mental health and self-regulation.
This instrument is often used for diagnostic and progress monitoring purposes. While it works for elementary through adult learners, it has important implications for college students. The scale helps researchers understand how social conditions at a university can either spark or stop a student's natural motivation. By looking at these factors, college leaders can create environments that foster growth, responsibility, and better academic performance. The full version contains 22 items, though researchers often use shorter versions. When the three basic psychological needs are met, students show better mental health and self-responsibility.
Organization
Topic
Collection Category(ies)
Content
Grades
9th Grade,
10th Grade,
11th Grade,
12th Grade,
Post secondary
Languages
English,
German,
Portuguese
Respondent
Student
Administration Information
Length
45 items
Access and Use
Price
Free
Open Access
Yes
Use in Research
Plant, R. W., & Ryan, R. M. (1985). Intrinsic motivation and the effects of self-consciousness, self-awareness, and ego-involvement: An investigation of internally controlling styles. Journal of Personality, 53(3), 435–449.
Ferrer-Caja, E., & Weiss, M. R. (2000). Predictors of intrinsic motivation among adolescent students in physical education. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 71(3), 267–279. https://doi.org/10.1080/02701367.2000.10608907
Psychometrics (additional guidance)
Reliability
Cronbach's alpha: .82 to .91
Psychometric References
McAuley, E., Duncan, T., & Tammen, V. V. (1989). Psychometric properties of the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory in a competitive sport setting. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 60(1), 48–58. https://doi.org/10.1080/02701367.1989.10607413
Ryan, R. M. (1982). Control and information in the intrapersonal sphere: An extension of cognitive evaluation theory. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 43(3), 450–461. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.43.3.450
Item Type
Likert
