Description

The Intrinsic Motivation Inventory (IMI) is a psychometric tool used to assess intrinsic motivation in various settings, such as education, work, and sports. The IMI examines different dimensions of motivation, including enjoyment, interest, effort, perceived competence, pressure and tension, and perceived choice.

Purpose

The main purpose of the IMI is to understand and measure the factors that influence individuals’ intrinsic motivation. Specifically, the IMI aims to:
Assessment of Enjoyment and Interest: Measure the level of enjoyment and interest experienced by individuals during an activity.
Perceived Competence: Evaluate individuals’ self-perception regarding their ability to perform an activity.
Effort and Importance: Assess the degree of effort and the importance individuals attribute to an activity.
Pressure and Tension: Examine the levels of pressure and tension individuals feel during the activity.
Perceived Choice: Measure the sense of freedom and choice that individuals experience.

Analysis

The analysis of IMI data includes:
Descriptive Statistics: Calculation of means, standard deviations, and frequencies for responses.
Comparative Analysis: Comparison of levels of intrinsic motivation across different population groups, such as age groups, gender, and employment status.
Correlational Analysis: Examination of the relationships between dimensions of intrinsic motivation and other factors, such as overall well-being and performance.
Factor Analysis: Identification of the underlying factors that explain responses to the questionnaire items.

Calibration

The calibration of the IMI includes:
Scale Development: Creating a response scale for each item (e.g., from 1 to 7, where 1 = Not at all and 7 = Very much).
Reliability and Validity: Examination of the reliability (e.g., Cronbach’s alpha) and validity of the questionnaire through statistical tests and pilot studies.
Adaptation and Revision: Adapting items based on user feedback and revising the questionnaire to improve accuracy and relevance.

References

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.
Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (1985). Intrinsic Motivation and Self-Determination in Human Behavior. Plenum Press.
McAuley, E., Duncan, T., & Tammen, V. V. (1989). Psychometric properties of the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory in a competitive sport setting: A confirmatory factor analysis. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 60(1), 48–58.