Psychology theories of motivation. 1) Banduras- Self-Efficacy Theory 2) Decis- Cognitive Evaluation Theory 3) Goal Setting

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TOPIC 1- Motivation

Principles

“Motivation is a condition that energizes behaviour and gives it direction” (Nolen-Hoeksema), 2009, p.359)

1) Bandura’s- Self-Efficacy Theory

  1. Deci’s- Cognitive Evaluation Theory

  1. Goal Setting

 Bandura’s theory of self efficiency is based upon an individuals self belief that they are able to complete something in a certain situation. Gill gives a good definition of self efficiency when she says “Self efficiency is a situation specific form of confidence” (Gill, 1986, p.155). Bandura’s theory believes that self efficiency is created, used and modified through four types of information. These are, Personal Accomplishment, Vigorous Experiences, Verbal Persuasion, and Emotional Arousal. All four of these types of informational play a different role in increasing a participants self efficiency and in turn their motivation.

  • Personal Accomplishment “Provides the most dependable information and has the most powerful effects on self efficiency” (Gill, 1986, p.155). This means that a participant practising a task correctly rather than an instructor telling them they can do it, has greater results.

  • Vigorous experiences is about observing another person complete a skill to reduce worry and increase self efficiency and confidence before trying to master the skill. Gill explains this when she says “Sometimes watching another student do a task reduces worry and enhances confidence”. (Gill, 1986, p.156).

  • Verbal persuasion is known to be a less powerful technique used to enhance self efficiency. It is used by coaches and trainers by telling a participant that they can achieve something using verbal communication. Examples such as ‘I believe that you can do it’ and ‘I think you have the ability to do this’ are used to encourage, motivate participates to complete a task.

  • Emotional Arousal is based upon confidence and relaxation levels when attempting a task. If an individual is nervous and not relaxed then their self efficiency levels would be low which could effect their motivation and performance. Gill explains this when she says “Relaxation training and other reduction techniques should increase self efficiency” (Gill, 1986, p.157).

 Deci’s theory of cognitive evaluation theory is based upon the link between intrinsic motivation and extrinsic reward, Gill highlights this link “The relationship between extrinsic rewards and intrinsic motivation”. (Gill, 1986, p.150). Deci’s theory is that the extrinsic rewards such as trophies and money can effect and lower an individual’s intrinsic motivation e.g. wanting to complete a task for the fun of it. He describes extrinsic rewards as a “controlling aspect” (Gill, 1986, p.151), and that if this controlling reward is high it “undermines the intrinsic motivation” (Gill, 1986, p.151). Deci’s theory also states that rewards can have a negative and positive effect; this means that gaining a reward can increase an individual’s competence; however, on the other hand individuals who strive but do not succeed in gaining such rewards can have lower feelings on their competence. Gill supports this “Those who strive for but do not receive rewards may receive negative information that decreases their feelings of competence” (Gill, 1986, p.151).

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 Goal setting theory is a technique which uses rewards and incentives in sport to increase levels of performance. Gill describes it as “Goal setting is one technique that may help ensure adequate incentives to enhance performance in sport settings” (Gill, 1986, p.157). The theory is that the incentives should be designed to give an individual something to aim for, but it is important that these types of incentives are effective and specific. “Goals appear to be most effective when they are specific, immediate and challenging. General goals such as “try harder” have little motivational value.” (Gill, 1986, p.157). This ...

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