Mind over matter: IB SEHS UNIT C: SPORT PSYCHOLOGY

Motivation

The direction and intensity of one’s effort.

Direction: activity attracted to and chosen to pursue.

Intensity: The effort a person applies to chosen activity.

Need Achievement Theory (NAT) - McClelland (1961) & Atkinson (1974)

how personality factors and situational factors combine to predict an athlete's drive to approach success or avoid failure

Intrinsic motivation

Motivation that comes from WITHIN the person.

• exitement and fun

• enjoyment of the activity itself

• desire to improve skills

• personal satisfaction

Extrinsic motivation

Comes from EXTERNAL REWARDS.

…such as…

• Trophies, medals, prizes

• money, contracts

• fame, status

• praise anc coaches/parents.

The Additive Principle

Extrinsic rewards CAN boost intrinsic motivation when the activity is already intrinsically motivating — if the reward feels informational (tells you you're competent).

The Overjustification Effect

Extrinsic rewards can UNDERMINE intrinsic motivation if perceived as CONTROLLING — removing the reward then reduces motivation below its original level.

High Achievement Motivation

Desire to succeed > Fear of failure

Seek out challenging situations

Enjoy competition against equals

Persist in difficult situations

Focus on PRIDE of success

Low Achievement Motivation

Fear of failure > Desire to succeed

Avoid challenging situations

Choose easy OR impossible tasks

Less effort or persistence

Focus on SHAME of failure

5 Compotents of Need Achievement Theory

Weinberg & Gould (2003): Probability of Success

High achievers: LOVE a 50/50 challenge

Low achievers: HATE a 50/50 challenge & prefer certainty

Incentive value of success + for high/low achievers

The MORE difficult the task, the GREATER the incentive value of succeeding at it.

High achievers: maximise incentive by choosing challenging tasks

Low achievers: reduce incentive value by choosing tasks they know they'll win

2 Coach Strategies

Coach strategy: Set tasks at the RIGHT difficulty level for each athlete. Challenge high achievers. Reduce uncertainty for low achievers.

Coach strategy: Frame success as meaningful. Celebrate improvements. Adjust incentives for different personality types.

Goal Orientation Theory (GOT) - Nicholls (1989)

How personality factors and situational factors combine to predict an athlete's drive to approach success or avoid failure.