Motivation and Need Achievement Theory

Vocabulary terms and definitions covering the fundamentals of motivation and the components of Need Achievement Theory as applied to sports and performance.

Motivation

The internal and external factors that stimulate desire and energy in people to be continually interested and committed to a role, job, or subject, or to make an effort to attain a goal.

Sage (1977)

The source cited for describing motivation as dynamic, multifaceted, and influenced by internal and external factors.

Direction

A behavioral factor of motivation involving the choice of specific sports goals to pursue.

Persistence

A behavioral factor of motivation defined as continuing effort despite challenges and setbacks.

Continuing Motivation

The behavioral factor referring to a long-term commitment to sports activities.

Intensity

The level of effort applied during training or competition.

Performance

The execution quality of sports skills and strategies.

Intrinsic Motivation

Motivation driven by internal rewards and personal satisfaction, which enhances long-term engagement and enjoyment in sports.

Extrinsic Motivation

Motivation driven by external rewards such as trophies, money, or recognition, which can boost immediate performance but may not sustain long-term participation.

Need Achievement Theory

A theory stating that personality and situation interact, creating emotions that drive behavior.

Personality Factors (Need Achievement Theory)

Stable traits including the desire for achievement (motivation to excel) and the fear of failure.

Motive to achieve success

A personality factor in Need Achievement Theory related to the desire to excel.

Motive to avoid failure

A personality factor in Need Achievement Theory related to the fear of failure.

Situational Factors (Need Achievement Theory)

External circumstances that affect the likelihood of success, including the difficulty of the task and the presence of rewards.

Probability of success

A situational factor in Need Achievement Theory regarding how likely it is that an individual will succeed.

Incentive value of success

A situational factor in Need Achievement Theory representing the value placed on succeeding in a specific context.

Resultant Tendencies

The behavior derived from the interaction of personality and situational factors in achievement contexts, such as approaching success or avoiding failure.

Emotions (Need Achievement Theory)

Feelings such as the pride of success or the shame of failure which influence future achievement behaviors.

Achievement Behaviours

Actions taken to achieve goals, such as seeking out achievement situations, looking for challenges, or exerting effort.

High Achievers

Individuals who select challenging tasks, display high levels of effort, continue to try hard in difficult situations, and focus on the pride of success.

Low Achievers

Individuals who avoid challenging activities, exert less effort and persistence, and focus on the shame of failure.