Motivation, achievement orientation, and competition in collegiate track and field athletes

Abstract

Competition and motivation are important components of sports. Based on Self-Determination Theory and Cognitive Evaluation Theory (Deci &Ryan, 1985), this study had four purposes. The purposes of the current study were to: a) evaluating gender differences in preferences toward internal or external competition b) examining the relationship of competition preferences and sport achievement orientations with motivation type c) investigating the motivational profiles of athletes based on their competition preference towards internal and external competition and d) exploring gender differences in motivation and sport achievement orientations. Participants (N=142) were NCAA Division-I collegiate track and field athletes from various universities throughout the United States. The participants completed a measures assessing a demographic, a motivation type (Behavioral Regulation in Sport Questionnaire; BRSQ), sport achievement orientation (Sport Orientation Questionnaire; SOQ) and competition preference (Internal and External Competition Questionnaire; IECQ). Paired- samples t-tests, Pearson correlation and various ANOVAs were conducted to analyze the data. Results of the study indicated that a) both male and female track and field athletes have a higher preference for external competition than internal competition b) internal and external competition preference and sport achievement orientation variables were positively related to one or more self- determined motivational variables (intrinsic, integrated or identified motivation), c) three distinct competition preference groups were identified and there are motivational differences between the groups d) women had higher levels of self-determined forms of motivation than males, but no significant differences were found in sport achievement orientation. The results are discussed in relative to the Self-Determination Theory and Cognitive Evaluation Theory (Deci & Ryan, 1985).