The motivational profiles of golfers at various stages of the talent development continuum: an ecological dynamics and self-determination theory perspective
Year: 2015
Type: dissertation
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: A central challenge in the acquisition of exceptional ability is that of creating the motivation required to engage successfully in the activity (Sosniak, 2007). Given that 'ability' is context specific, more knowledge of the construct of motivation is needed in the situated context of performance sport (Roberts et al., 2007). As such this study is an exploration of the self-determining characteristics of golfers at typical stages on a continuum towards world-class performance, including the change from amateur into professional sport. \nData was collected from the following sample groups: College Student (CS; n=l4); Elite Amateur (EA; n=17) and Elite Professional (EP; n=l8) using the Sports Motivation Scale-6 (SMS-6; Mallett eta!., 2007). Internal consistency of the scale was tested based on Cronbach's coefficient alpha (Cronbach, 1951) before univariate analysis (ANOVA), multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) and post-hoc analyses were applied to the data. The EA group (\\(M\\)=55.18 \\(SD\\)=17.96) reported higher 'relative autonomy' than both the CS (\\(M\\)=39.21, \\(SD\\)=10.44) and EP (\\(M\\)=44.61, \\(SD\\)=14.81) groups. Individual subscale analysis suggests the CS group (\\(M\\)=22.07, \\(SD\\)=2.64) and EA group (\\(M\\)=23.12, \\(SD\\)=3.28) practice their sport for more intrinsic reasons than the EP group (\\(M\\)=19.17, \\(SD\\)=4.33). In relation to extrinsic motivation the EP group (\\(M\\)=9.33, \\(SD\\)=3.58), comparative to the CS group (\\(M\\)=18.00, \\(SD\\)=5.16) and EA group (\\(M\\)=15.41, \\(SD\\)=6.32) reported lower levels of this type of motivation. \nThese finding suggest that motivation is potentially affected by situational contexts, and the dynamic non-linear nature of human development. \n
Author: Graeme McDowall
Language: English
Subfield: Social Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W183361507