Male Physical Attractiveness as a Potential Contaminating Variable in Ratings of Heterosocial Skill

Abstract

Behavioral and self-report measures of intrinsic task interest of American university students were compared in relation to momentary mood, long-term motivational orientation, and interest in competing activities. Although the two measures of intrinsic motivation were significantly correlated, significant contrasts were found in their correlations with other factors. Results support an earlier proposal that the behavioral (free-choice time) measure depends on how treatments affect interest in alternative activities, not just interest in the target activity. A model of how the two measures differ is outlined.