Hogenraad's Motive Dictionary Available in GCAM

 January 21, 2016

We're excited to announce that Robert Hogenraad's Motive Dictionary is now available in GCAM!  It is available in English, French, and Spanish language editions. You can learn more about the dictionary and see it at work in his paper "The Words That Predict The Outbreak Of Wars." Note that the French and Spanish editions have not currently been fully expanded with all stems and forms. When using dimensions from this dictionary, cite as:

  • English Version: Hogenraad, Robert. (2013). Hogenraad's Motive Dictionary, Version 7.0.
  • French Version: Hogenraad, Robert. (2008). Hogenraad's Motive Dictionary, French Version 1.2.
  • Spanish Version: Hogenraad, Robert; Rey, Pablo; Urchaga, David; Rivas, Pedro. (2009). Hogenraad's Motive Dictionary, Spanish Version 1.1.

At the root level, the Motive Dictionary captures the three tenants of McClelland's motivation theory:

  • Achievement Motivation: a standard of excellence, a unique accomplishment, or a long-term goal. To do a better job, in the widest possible sense, is the criterion for achievement motivation, without any concern for others.
  • Affiliation Motivation: a concern for close intimate relationships with another person or affiliative activities. To be with others or care about the happiness of others are the criteria for an affiliation motivation.
  • Power Motivation: a concern for influencing and controlling others or having impact on others.

In all there are 32 total dimensions captured: subsidiary dimensions cover (some derive in part or whole from the H4 Harvard and Laswell dictionaries):

  • Instrumental use behavior
  • Expression of need or intent
  • End states towards which striving is directed
  • Endurance and perseverance
  • Objects, acts, and methods used in attaining goals
  • Transactions resulting in gain, loss, or general sense
  • Failure and success at achieving goals
  • Osgood evaluative and potency dimensions
  • Positive affect denoting positive feelings, acceptance, appreciation and emotional support
  • Power gain, loss, conflict, cooperation and end
  • Authoritative and ordinary power participants