Work

Beyond Retrospection: Development and Initial Validation of the Task-Episode Appraisal Scale (TEAS)

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Motivational experience shifts within academic task episodes, yet widely used measures assess stable beliefs, strategy use, or retrospective summaries. We developed and evaluated the Task-Episode Appraisal Scale (TEAS), a six-item semantic differential for low-burden, repeated deployment in routine coursework, capturing appraisals at task entry and pre-submission. University students ( N = 477) from four courses completed TEAS at task entry and pre-submission for one focal assignment via an embedded learning management system prompt, with administrations separated by at least 24 hours. We report initial validity evidence from test content, response processes (focus groups), and internal structure. Indicators shared substantial variance at both administrations; omega hierarchical was .827 at task entry and .879 at pre-submission. Single items function as interpretable indicators rather than subscales. Observed entry-to-pre-submission differences were small while individual differences in change were substantial. TEAS provides workflow-moment snapshots of task-episode appraisals in authentic coursework; replication across tasks and institutions is needed.

Source: Journal of Psychoeducational Assessment

DOI: 10.1177/07342829261483328

Authors: Kine M.D. Maxwell, Jelena N. Larsen

Institution: UiT The Arctic University of Norway

Language: English

Topic: Education, Achievement, and Giftedness

Subfield: Experimental and Cognitive Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Quality education

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,650