A cognitive model of motivation is proposed which postulates four components as the determinants of the actual and anticipated outcome of an achievement-related event. The four determinants are ability, effort, task difficulty, and luck. These factors may be classified as either internal or external sources of control, and as either stable or unstable elements. Four experiments are reported which substantiate belief that individuals are able to attribute the behavior of others, as well as their personal behavior, to these four dimensions of causality. The perceptions about causality also are demonstrated to influence subjective expectancy of success, and are related to resistance to extinction. Achievement concerns, frustration and conflict, self vs. other perception, and the educational implications of this motivational approach are discussed. [Not available in hard copy due to marginal legibility of original document.] (Author/DR)