The simplest approach is to look at the correlation matrix for the items in the scale. If this item shows negative correlations with the rest of the scale, it should be reversed.

Another way to do essentially the same thing is to examine the alpha coefficient of reliability with the option "alpha if item deleted." If this item is indeed reversed, then alpha will be higher if it is deleted. I mention this option because you should in general report the reliability of a scale, and coefficient alpha is the most common way to do this.

Hi Simone,

I don't think so. The academic motivation scale is based on the types of motivation as described within Self-Determination Theory, and the types of motivation that are measured are considered to be more or less independent of each other. For example, it could be that one has for example average extrinsic motivation and average intrinsic motivation. (that person is motivated by external as internal reasons to do their best).

Although it does not make sense that one is for example amotivated and intrinsically motivated at the same time, I think the psychometric properties of the instrument do not allow you to subtract.

I have combined the 'controlled' types of motivation and the 'autonomous' types of motivation into controlled and autonomous scales, and considered amotivation still a seperate construct (which did not have a satisfactory reliability within my population, by the way). This was done after factor analysis.

Hope this helps,

Gepke

Hi David L Morgan

Thank you very much for explaining this!

I will look at these options.

I really appreciate you taking the time to address my question.

Hi Gepke Veenstra ,

Thank you very much for clarifying this and taking the time to answer my question.

no problem, found this as well. https://www.researchgate.net/post/Does_anyone_know_where_I_can_get_the_Academic_Motivation_Scale-College_version_AMS-C_for_my_research

Generally, the motivation items need to be reverse scored, just when asking on negative or devalued items. Usually, motivation strategies/actions are geared to push individual to positively think, do, work, and/or behave in positive manner for his/her good. So, items could be expressed as positive statements. Or, they could be expressed as negative statement then their score will be reversed. However, that (motivation items whether the positive or negative items) depends on the adopted motivation theory guiding those items.

It will be helpful if you refer to the original paper of this motivation scale, researching on the scale description and its scoring system. This part of description will clarify which items of this scale will be reverse scored and how handling them if adopting this strategy in scale.

Hi Fathya Abdelrazek thank you so much for taking the time to respond.

Yes, by (-0.5) against (+1) positive motivation