Theories of Motivation in Sport and Exercise: Learn and Test Your Knowledge

Question 1

Which tenet is central to Self-Determination Theory?

Accepted Answer

Individuals are innately motivated to pursue activities that are meaningful and self-chosen.

Answer

Motivation is driven solely by external rewards and punishments.

Answer

Goal setting is crucial for success.

Answer

Self-efficacy has a minimal impact on motivation.

Question 2

According to Achievement Goal Theory, individuals with a mastery goal orientation are primarily concerned with:

Accepted Answer

Developing their skills and abilities.

Answer

Demonstrating superiority over others.

Answer

Avoiding failure.

Answer

Attaining recognition and rewards.

Question 3

Expectancy-Value Theory suggests that motivation is influenced by:

Accepted Answer

The perceived likelihood of success (expectancy) and the importance placed on the outcome (value).

Answer

Only the perceived likelihood of success (expectancy).

Answer

Only the importance placed on the outcome (value).

Answer

Neither expectancy nor value.

Question 4

Which characteristic is a hallmark of intrinsic motivation?

Accepted Answer

It is driven by internal rewards and satisfaction.

Answer

It is easily diminished and short-lived.

Answer

It is exclusive to highly skilled individuals.

Answer

It is unaffected by social influences.

Question 5

According to Goal-Setting Theory, specific, challenging goals are more motivating than vague, easy goals. True or False?

Accepted Answer

True

Answer

False

Question 6

Intrinsic motivation tends to persist in the face of obstacles more than extrinsic motivation. True or False?

Accepted Answer

True

Answer

False

Question 7

Which fundamental principle of self-determination theory claims that individuals are inherently driven by intrinsic motivation?

Accepted Answer

Intrinsic motivation is a more sustainable source of motivation than extrinsic motivation.

Answer

Extrinsic rewards are the primary drivers of motivation.

Answer

External factors, rather than internal desires, should dictate goal-setting.

Answer

Competitive environments are essential for fostering motivation.

Question 8

According to achievement goal theory, which of the following characterizes a mastery goal orientation?

Accepted Answer

Continuously improving skills and abilities.

Answer

Demonstrating one's superiority to others.

Answer

Avoiding mistakes at all costs.

Answer

Outperforming competitors.

Question 9

Which element is absent from the components of expectancy-value theory?

Accepted Answer

Ascribed causes for successes or failures.

Answer

Anticipated likelihood of success.

Answer

Perceived value of the outcome.

Answer

Belief in one's own capabilities.

Question 10

How can self-determination theory be implemented to enhance motivation in a sporting context?

Accepted Answer

Creating an environment that promotes autonomy, competence, and relatedness.

Answer

Offering external rewards for performance.

Answer

Setting challenging but attainable goals.

Answer

Emphasizing the significance of winning above all else.

Question 11

How does expectancy-value theory explain the connection between motivation and performance?

Accepted Answer

Individuals with high expectations and a strong valuation of the outcome exhibit high motivation and strong performance.

Answer

Individuals with low expectations and low outcome valuation exhibit high motivation but poor performance.

Answer

Individuals with high expectations but low outcome valuation exhibit motivation but underperform.

Answer

Individuals with low expectations but high outcome valuation exhibit motivation and perform well.

Question 12

How can achievement goal theory inform the development of effective coaching strategies?

Accepted Answer

Adopting a mastery goal orientation for athletes.

Answer

Prioritizing victory above all else.

Answer

Employing negative reinforcement as a motivational tool.

Answer

Disregarding the unique needs of individual athletes.

Question 13

Which of the following exemplifies intrinsic motivation?

Accepted Answer

Exercising with the goal of improving fitness.

Answer

Playing a sport solely to earn a trophy.

Answer

Practicing a musical instrument primarily for a competition.

Answer

Writing a poem with the intention of impressing a teacher.

Question 14

How does expectancy-value theory account for cultural differences in motivation?

Accepted Answer

It incorporates cultural values and beliefs into its framework.

Answer

It assumes that all cultures universally value outcomes in the same way.

Answer

It disregards cultural factors altogether.

Answer

It is exclusively applicable to Western cultures.

Question 15

According to self-determination theory, which of the following is a type of autonomous motivation where individuals engage in an activity for its own sake and find it inherently enjoyable?

Accepted Answer

Intrinsic motivation

Answer

Controlled motivation

Answer

Amotivation

Answer

Extrinsic motivation

Question 16

Expectancy-value theory suggests that an individual's motivation is influenced by both their:

Accepted Answer

Expectancies and values

Answer

Self-efficacy and locus of control

Answer

Needs and drives

Answer

Goals and aspirations

Question 17

Which of the following is a key factor that influences intrinsic motivation in sport, referring to the perception of one's competence in performing an activity?

Accepted Answer

Perceived competence

Answer

Social pressure

Answer

Avoidance of failure

Answer

Extrinsic rewards

Question 18

Which of the following is a positive consequence of high intrinsic motivation in sport and exercise?

Accepted Answer

Increased enjoyment and satisfaction

Answer

Decreased persistence

Answer

Reduced performance

Answer

Increased extrinsic rewards

Question 19

According to achievement goal theory, which of the following is a characteristic of an ego goal orientation, where individuals focus on surpassing others in performance?

Accepted Answer

Focus on outperforming others

Answer

Emphasis on personal improvement

Answer

Concern with avoiding failure

Answer

Striving to achieve high standards

Question 20

Expectancy-value theory suggests that an individual's expectancy is influenced by both:

Accepted Answer

Self-efficacy and task difficulty

Answer

Social support and parental expectations

Answer

Goal orientation and motivational climate

Answer

Intrinsic and extrinsic rewards

Question 21

Which of the following is a key principle of self-determination theory, suggesting that individuals are motivated by a sense of autonomy, competence, and relatedness?

Accepted Answer

Individuals are motivated by their need for competence, autonomy, and relatedness.

Answer

Individuals' goals should be set by others to maximize motivation.

Answer

Motivation is solely driven by external rewards.

Question 22

According to achievement goal theory, individuals primarily focus on two types of goals:

Accepted Answer

Task-oriented and ego-oriented goals.

Answer

Individual and team goals.

Answer

Intrinsic and extrinsic goals.

Answer

Short-term and long-term goals.

Question 23

Expectancy-value theory proposes that individuals are motivated to engage in activities they believe will lead to:

Accepted Answer

Positive outcomes and are important to them.

Answer

Are easy to perform and will bring recognition.

Answer

Are expected of them by others.

Question 24

A coach applying self-determination theory to enhance athlete motivation would likely prioritize:

Accepted Answer

Creating a supportive and autonomy-enhancing coaching environment.

Answer

Setting overly challenging goals to enhance motivation.

Answer

Using external rewards as the primary motivator.

Question 25

Achievement goal theory suggests that individuals focusing on task-oriented goals are likely to experience:

Accepted Answer

Increased effort and persistence.

Answer

Greater focus on social comparison.

Answer

Reduced intrinsic motivation.

Answer

Lower levels of anxiety.

Question 26

Expectancy-value theory suggests that individuals are more likely to engage in activities they perceive as having:

Accepted Answer

High utility and low cost.

Answer

Minimal effort required.

Answer

Social desirability.

Answer

Immediate gratification.

Question 27

Which of the following is a common criticism of self-determination theory?

Accepted Answer

It may not be universally applicable across different cultures.

Answer

It overemphasizes the role of external factors in motivation.

Answer

It can be challenging to implement in practice.

Question 28

According to achievement goal theory, individuals with ego-oriented goals tend to experience:

Accepted Answer

Negative emotions after failure.

Answer

Persistence in the face of challenges.

Answer

More effortful practice.

Answer

Higher levels of self-esteem.

Question 29

Expectancy-value theory can be applied to explain why:

Accepted Answer

An athlete may be highly motivated to train intensely for a major competition.

Answer

A coach may struggle to motivate their athletes.

Answer

A team underperforms despite talented players.