Overview
This lecture covers the definition of motivation, major theories explaining motivation and achievement in sports, and effective strategies for enhancing motivation in individuals and teams.
Defining Motivation
- Motivation is defined as the direction and intensity of one’s effort.
- Direction refers to whether an individual seeks out or is attracted to situations.
- Intensity is how much effort a person puts forth in a situation.
- Motivation is influenced by both intrinsic factors (internal) and extrinsic factors (external).
Approaches to Motivation
- Trait (Participant)-Centered View: Motivation is mainly determined by individual characteristics.
- Situation-Centered View: Motivation is primarily determined by the environment or context.
- Interactional View: Motivation results from the interaction between personal and situational factors; this is the most widely accepted approach.
Guidelines for Enhancing Motivation
- Consider both situational and personal factors when motivating people.
- Understand individuals' motives by directly asking, observing, and consulting with others around them.
- Structure the environment to meet various participant needs and foster motivation.
- As a leader, model positive, upbeat, and professional behaviors to influence others.
- Use behavior modification techniques to address and change undesirable motives.
Self-Determination Theory
- Developed by Edward Deci and Michael Ryan, suggesting all people need to feel competent, autonomous, and socially connected.
- Motivation exists on a continuum from amotivation (none), to extrinsic motivation (external), to intrinsic motivation (internal).
- Internal factors lead to higher self-determined motivation.
Achievement Motivation Theories
- Need Achievement Theory: Focuses on personal and situational factors that determine achievement motivation.
- Attribution Theory: Explains how people attribute their successes or failures to stability, locus of causality, and locus of control.
- Achievement Goal Theory: Motivation is influenced by achievement goals, perceived ability, and behavior; includes outcome and task orientation.
- Competence Motivation Theory: People are motivated by feelings of competence and successful task mastery.
High vs. Low Achievers
- High achievers focus on pride and task-related goals, perceive high competence and control, and seek challenges.
- They attribute success to stable and controllable factors and perform well under pressure.
Effective Motivation Strategies
- Communicate, provide praise and encouragement, and concentrate on individual strengths.
- Use quality instruction and foster mutual respect.
- Make environments engaging with occasional fun and humor.
- Avoid one-size-fits-all motivation techniques as individual responses vary.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Direction of Effort — Whether a person seeks out and is attracted to certain situations.
- Intensity of Effort — How much effort a person puts forth in a situation.
- Intrinsic Motivation — Motivation driven by internal rewards or satisfaction.
- Extrinsic Motivation — Motivation driven by external rewards or pressures.
- Competence — Ability to perform tasks successfully or efficiently.
- Self-Determination Theory — Theory stating people strive for competence, autonomy, and social belonging.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review major motivation theories and their applications in sport and exercise.
- Observe and analyze your own motives and those of peers in various settings.
- Practice structuring environments and communication strategies to enhance motivation in group activities.