Goal Orientations

Essay # 57395

Psychology > Motivation Studies
Psychology > Theory
Sport

Goal Orientations

A look at the difference in goal orientations in participants of competitive and recreational sports.

1,653 words () | 5 sources | MLA | 2003 Australia

Paper Summary:

This paper investigates the difference between competitive and recreational athletes' goal orientations. As anticipated, it shows how individuals in competitive sporting programs have a higher ego orientation than individuals in recreational programs. This result is discussed in terms of the positive health benifits for Australians.

From the Paper:

"White and Duda (1994) found that athletes who competed at the highest level were higher in ego orientation than those who were involved in recreational sport. They also found that competitive levels had no significant effect on task orientation. This ego orientation link to competitive involvement is supported by a study by Gernigon and Le Bars (2000) which examined goal orientation and different levels of martial arts. Because of the unique nature of the sports studied (Judo and Aikido) in this research, unclear implications for task orientation and competitive level have been produced. These sports involve striving for mastery in getting different grades or belts, and competition with others, through bouts where beating an opponent is paramount."