Question 1

What is MQ?

Accepted Answer

MQ is the abbreviation of "Motivation Quotient". The MQ test is a scenario-based assessment that measures the driving force of an individual's inner motivations, or passions. MQ is a learning aid developed by the latest motivation science by top scholars in the United States. It can accurately identify and quantify students' learning motivations and help individuals understand how they tend to learn, how to work as a team, and how to solve problems.
"Motivation Quotient" (MQ) is the most important "Q" that affects individuals after IQ and EQ! "MQ Passion Camp" is the latest learning motivation camp in the American education field, and it was introduced to Taiwan at the same time.

Question 2

I have never heard of MQ? Has MQ been around for a long time?

Accepted Answer

MQ is based on 25 years of motivational science development in the United States, leaning more towards the academic field, so not many people in Taiwan have heard of it.

Question 3

Does MQ measure motivation? Why is it related to passion?

Accepted Answer

It means you like it, have the motivation to do it, so "measuring motivation" is finding what you like, what you are enthusiastic about.
Example:
Why do you want to learn Korean?
Because you want to attend a Blackpink concert, want to talk to idols, want to travel to Korea...
These "whys" are our "intrinsic motivation" to learn Korean, which gives us "passion" for learning Korean; then, in action, you will actively search for information online, learn Korean, and work to save travel expenses!

Question 4

How can Passion Camp help my prepare for my future?

Accepted Answer

The exclusive "MQ Passion Camp" of Equalearning in the United States focuses on three parts known as "Find Your Passion, Build Your Team, and Own Your Future." This helps students better understand themselves (who am I, what are my hobbies, what are my passions), what kind of learning style is suitable for me, my future department, and career suggestion and exploration. Equalearning uses precise positioning of learning motivation (Motivation Quotient), STEAM potential, learning styles, and suitable for various college majors. Passion Camp also teaches teamwork and understanding from group activities; specifically how to identify your own role on a team, and then plan the direction of your future development.

Question 5

What are the differences between aptitude, personality, career, and motivation psychological tests?

Accepted Answer

• An aptitude test typically has standardized answers and measures a person’s apparent learning potential or ability inclinations, such as mathematical aptitude, language skills, or spatial reasoning ability.

• A personality test, on the other hand, aims to understand a person’s personality traits and emotions to predict behavioral patterns, such as introversion/extroversion or intuitive/logical tendencies. However, what it often reveals is the persona we wish to present to others, which may not truly reflect our inner self.

• The Motivation Quotient (MQ) test, however, measures "intrinsic motivation"—the driving force behind our thoughts and actions. By understanding our inner motivations, we can accurately predict external behaviors from the inside out.

In simple terms, an aptitude test focuses on measuring "what one can do," a personality test measures "what kind of person one wants to be," and the MQ Motivation Quotient test focuses on understanding "why one wants to do something," or "what one wants to do."

Question 6

What is the difference between motivation and ability?

Accepted Answer

We often hear teachers or parents say to us, "You clearly can do it, so why aren’t you doing it?" It could be because you don't want to or lack the motivation to do it.

Being able to and wanting to are two different things. Motivation is not the same as ability; however, with motivation, you can develop ability.

Once you have motivation and drive, you will start taking action, and over time, you can gradually build your abilities. It’s like a car that, once fueled, can start running. The engine and other parts, like abilities, can keep upgrading. But without fuel, even if the car wants to move, it’s difficult to start.

Question 7

I don't know what I want to do in the future. Would taking an aptitude/personality/career/motivation assessment be helpful for me?

Accepted Answer

Each test has its specific focus and can assist you in different ways. What's important is how we use these insights. For instance, if you score well in math, an aptitude test may indicate you have a natural inclination and potential for math, while a personality test might reveal you're an introvert. So, what should you study or pursue in the future? Based on aptitude, personality, and career assessments, you might be advised to explore a field related to math research.

You can follow this path, but is it truly what you want?

Your math skills represent an "observable ability," and introversion is your "observable personality." However, the MQ motivation psychological assessment delves into your deepest "inner motivations (passions)." Perhaps your strong math scores are because you enjoy the "process of logical reasoning," and your introversion comes from a preference for "quiet solitude." In other words, you enjoy "quiet logical reasoning."

Based on the motivation assessment, you might find a field that satisfies your inner motivations, emphasizing logical reasoning and quiet contemplation. For example, writing might be a more fitting direction for you. Even if you’re not initially skilled at writing, a burning passion to improve (motivation) will drive you to develop that skill deeply.

Question 8

Can you tell if the test-taker is answering randomly or trying to score high?

Accepted Answer

When designing MQ questions, each motivation dimension includes multiple questions to measure it, which is why there are many questions in the MQ assessment. If a test-taker's answers lack consistency, the results, when compared with big data, will tend not to show polarized values.

Additionally, based on the report results, we can detect suspicious reports. If any of the following three situations appear in a report, we will question its authenticity. Only after a further one-on-one discussion with the test-taker can we definitively determine whether the report is valid:
1. Numerous "contradictions"
2. Overly polished results (too many values above 70)
3. Almost no values above 70

At the same time, we do not rule out the possibility of these scenarios occurring naturally. If they genuinely reflect the test-taker's condition, the individual may require special attention.

Question 9

The test results are quite different from how I know myself. Could the test be inaccurate?

Accepted Answer

The MQ assessment is not a test; there are no right or wrong answers. The level of motivation values isn't inherently good or bad but instead reflects one's true inner motivations and how they fluctuate due to current circumstances and environment. Consider whether the following applies to you:

1. Discrepancy between true definitions and self-interpretation  
   Be sure to understand the definitions of Motivation DNA or life indicators. Refer to the explanations that appear when you hover your mouse over the bar chart or in the “Indicator Explanation” section in the report's top right corner.  
   For example, person A works in garden landscaping and has a low "Beauty" score. Later, they realize that while they value beauty, they focus more on listening to clients' needs and creating landscapes that fit their practical requirements rather than pursuing aesthetics at any cost.

2. Motivation strength doesn’t equate to ability level 
   "Wanting" (motivation) and "being able to" (ability) are different things. For instance, you might complete tasks quickly and efficiently, but that doesn't necessarily mean you "want" to be fast—it could be a skill developed out of your living environment.

3. Scores are PR values compared with a large database, not absolute values 
   The scores are not absolute values based on self-assessment but are relative values (PR scores) in comparison with a global database. For example, you might think of yourself as a big foodie, expecting a very high motivation for "culinary pursuit." However, in comparison with others, the strength of your motivation may not be as high as you anticipated.

4. Influence of significant others (e.g., parents, boss, colleagues, close individuals) or events 
   In one case, a son "wanted" to be fast, but due to his mother’s long-standing emphasis on "quality work takes time," he didn’t express his true desire when responding, or that idea gradually became internalized, reflecting the qualities he was taught to value. These influences from external people, events, and environments can shape our inner motivations.

5. Separating from “Self-Image” (How You Want Others to See You) to Understand the Real You
Do you truly know yourself? Re-examine and reflect on the thoughts and desires behind your actions and behavior. Sometimes, even if we don't want to admit it, the report reveals the real you, not just the image you wish to present to others.

Question 10

I'm a teacher/parent/MQ consultant administering a test to a student/child/test taker. The test taker says the results are inaccurate. What's going on?

Accepted Answer

Please confirm with the test participant if they have experienced the following situations:

1. Answering with the Correct Attitude and Approach  
   Often, students or children answer with a mindset of "should" or "should not" or aim to "score high," which can affect the accuracy of the report.

2. Has the Participant Changed After the Test? 
   The MQ assessment report reflects the participant’s internal state and motivations at the time of answering. Life experiences and interactions may influence their motivational traits. Please have the participant discuss their answers in the context of that time, and inquire if anything happened after the test that might have shifted or inspired new thoughts and explorations.

3. Understanding the Real Self  
   Setting aside personal constructs, many people's true selves may not align with mainstream societal values, and they might not fully accept their true nature. For example, some might feel they need to work in teams and find a low “team interaction” score inaccurate, though they may actually prefer working independently. Let the participant know that MQ scores are not about good or bad and carry no negative labels.

4. A Starting Point for Discussion  
   The report is not all-encompassing; it serves as a starting point to discuss the participant’s genuine thoughts. If any contradictions or discrepancies with the participant’s current situation are noted, please discuss them further with the participant.

FAQ

Welcome

The Motivation Quotient is relatively new, though it is based on more than 20 years of research and development. Below, please find some common questions we have been asked about MQ.