Motivation to work: past paper questions
Real questions on motivation to work
The newest 20 of 169 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 9990/31 · May/June 2026 · Q16a[6]
Describe the following about attitudes to work: • • workplace sabotage including methods and reasons for sabotage Blau and Boal’s absenteeism and organisational commitment model.
See it on the paper → - 9990/42 · May/June 2026 · Q7a[4]
Identify four features of the sample of participants used in this study.
See it on the paper → - 9990/42 · May/June 2026 · Q7b[2]
Suggest one location where this study could be conducted that would improve application to everyday life.
See it on the paper → - 9990/42 · May/June 2026 · Q7c[4]
Explain two weaknesses with the sample of participants used in this study.
See it on the paper → - 9990/32 · February/March 2026 · Q16a[6]
Describe the following: • • Latham and Locke’s goal‑setting theory Vroom’s VIE (expectancy) theory.
See it on the paper → - 9990/32 · February/March 2026 · Q16b[10]
Evaluate the following, including a discussion about the idiographic versus nomothetic approach: • • Latham and Locke’s goal‑setting theory Vroom’s VIE (expectancy) theory. Evaluation in your answer can include strengths, weaknesses and a discussion of issues and debates.
See it on the paper → - 9990/31 · October/November 2025 · Q14a[2]
Outline what is meant by a ‘nomothetic approach’, including an example from a need theory of motivation at work.
See it on the paper → - 9990/31 · October/November 2025 · Q14b[2]
Explain how a need theory of motivation at work could be investigated using an idiographic approach.
See it on the paper → - 9990/31 · October/November 2025 · Q15a[4]
Suggest two ways Tatpara could use extrinsic motivators with the carpet factory workers to increase production.
See it on the paper → - 9990/31 · October/November 2025 · Q15b[2]
For one of your suggestions in part (a): Explain one strength of this suggestion, other than to increase production.
See it on the paper → - 9990/32 · October/November 2025 · Q16a[6]
Describe the study by Claypoole and Szalma (2019) on concentration levels when being monitored using Electronic Performance Monitoring (EPM).
See it on the paper → - 9990/32 · October/November 2025 · Q16b[10]
Evaluate the study by Claypoole and Szalma (2019), including a discussion of controls. Evaluation in your answer can include strengths, weaknesses and a discussion of issues and debates.
See it on the paper → - 9990/33 · October/November 2025 · Q14a[2]
Outline what is meant by a ‘nomothetic approach’, including an example from a need theory of motivation at work.
See it on the paper → - 9990/33 · October/November 2025 · Q14b[2]
Explain how a need theory of motivation at work could be investigated using an idiographic approach.
See it on the paper → - 9990/33 · October/November 2025 · Q15a[4]
Suggest two ways Tatpara could use extrinsic motivators with the carpet factory workers to increase production.
See it on the paper → - 9990/33 · October/November 2025 · Q15b[2]
For one of your suggestions in part (a): Explain one strength of this suggestion, other than to increase production.
See it on the paper → - 9990/41 · October/November 2025 · Q11c(iii)[2]
Explain one reason for your choice of dependent variable. Organisational Psychology
See it on the paper → - 9990/41 · October/November 2025 · Q12b(i)[4]
Describe this psychological knowledge.
See it on the paper → - 9990/41 · October/November 2025 · Q12b(ii)[4]
Explain how you used two features of this psychological knowledge to plan your study.
See it on the paper → - 9990/42 · October/November 2025 · Q11c(iii)[2]
Explain one reason for your choice of interview format. Organisational Psychology
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
Comprehensive responses • Candidates gave clear and accurate details of both Latham and Locke’s goal-setting theory and Vroom’s VIE (expectancy) theory. • Good outline of the 4 C’s and 1 F for Latham and Locke. • Outline of what each aspect of the VIE theory is (valence, instrumentality and expectancy) as well as the formula for motivation. Limited responses • A few stated that Latham and Locke i...
— Examiner report, February/March 2026, 9990/32 Q16(a) (Cambridge)
Comprehensive responses • The named issue was idiographic versus nomothetic, and some candidates understood how both theories were nomothetic and could give examples from both theories in part (a). Some responses provided clear analysis, including explanations and examples of how the 4C’s and 1F could be considered idiographic, as they are specific to each individual. • Other commonly used issues...
— Examiner report, February/March 2026, 9990/32 Q16(b) (Cambridge)
Common responses to this question included not agreeing with the goals of the bookshop and those that achieved full marks linked this to the scenario. Another common response was to suggest how alternative employment opportunities would attract staff away such as for higher pay. Those that achieved full marks did put this into the context of the bookshop. Some responses gave a vague suggestion abo...
— Examiner report, February/March 2025, 9990/32 Q13(b) (Cambridge)
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