The motivational profiles of golfers at various stages of the talent development continuum: an ecological dynamics and self-determination theory perspective

McDowall, Graeme (2015). The motivational profiles of golfers at various stages of the talent development continuum: an ecological dynamics and self-determination theory perspective. University of Birmingham. M.Phil.

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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.
Data 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.
These finding suggest that motivation is potentially affected by situational contexts, and the dynamic non-linear nature of human development.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Masters by Research > M.Phil.)

Award Type:

Masters by Research > M.Phil.

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