A new way of looking at intrinsic motavation in sport

Adam, Elizabeth J.B. (1996) A new way of looking at intrinsic motavation in sport. PhD thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

The aim of the research was, essentially, to clarify the nature and dimensionally of intrinsic motivation in competitive sport. A working definition of intrinsic motivation was established, narrowing the field of inquiry down to the feelings of subjects at the actual point of participation in a sporting event.

The findings have important implications for research and practice. Firstly, it has been shown that the way in which competitive sportspeople rate their own intrinsic motivation varies according to the point in time at which they are asked about it. The in-situ questionnaire should prove to be a useful addition to the armoury of the sport psychologist in providing a means of measuring levels of intrinsic motivation in sport at the actual time of participation.

Secondly, specific recommendations are provided as to the timing of questions about intrinsic motivation in a sporting context. Depending on the type of information that is being sought, asking questions at the end of an event may not provide an accurate reflection of the way subjects feel when they are actually taking part.

Thirdly, the multi-dimensional model and the diagnostic IIMS will be of use in applied settings. An awareness of the motivational profiles of individual sportspeople will be invaluable in planning training and competition programmes.

Finally, the research poses questions about what it is that people actually get out of sport. The findings suggest that the most important aspect of sport participation is the interaction with other people, whether they be team mates or opponents. Self-efficacy plays a less important part than was originally predicted. It is argued that this is because athletes have a particular need to have their achievements socially approved and admired.

• Item Type: Thesis (PhD)
• Qualification Level: Doctoral
• Subjects: G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GV Recreation Leisure; B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
• Colleges/Schools: College of Science and Engineering > School of Psychology
• Supervisor's Name: Mutrie, Dr. Nanette
• Date of Award: May 1996
• Depositing User: Geraldine Coyle
• Unique ID: glathesis:1996-654
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 26 Mar 2009
• Last Modified: 30 Jan 2024 12:16
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/654