Motivational Orientations of Adult Education Participants: a Factor Analytic Exploration of Houle's Typology

Abstract

To test Houle's typology of "motivational orientation" in a New Zealand context, and to develop a factor analytically based mea sure of motive for attendance, 233 adult education participants selected at random from three institutions completed a 48 item Education Participation Scale. A factor analysis and promax/ varimax rotation yielded 14 first-order factors which were subse quently intercorrelated, factor analysed and rotated to yield second and then third-order factors. The meaning of the resultant factors is discussed. In developing a model of adult education participa tion, it is proposed that participants are basically "being" or "deficiency" motivated. The concept of homeo and heterostasis is discussed. Education Participation Scale factors purporting to measure these different types of motivation are identified. Partici pation is shown to stem from motives moie complex than those originally identified by Houle.