Achievement Motivation Theory

Question 1

What is achievement motivation?

Answer 1

• Looks at how much desire a player has to keep trying to succeed.

Question 2

What model is the achievement motivation theory?

Answer 2

• Atkinsons model (identified 2 personality dimensions).

Question 3

What are the 2 personality dimensions?

Answer 3

1. Sports people who keep on trying (NACH).
2. Avoid competition and seek safe and secure options (NAF).

Question 4

NACH personality characteristics

Answer 4

NACH= need to achieve.
1. Welcome competition.
2. Take risks.
3. Very confident.
4. Task persistent.
5. Attribute success internally.
6. Welcome feedback and evaluation.

Question 5

NACH- situational characteristics

Answer 5

Very competitive- likes tasks with:
- A low probability of success i.e. a challenging task.
- A high incentive i.e. sense of pride and satisfaction when goal is achieved.

Question 6

NAF- personality characteristics

Answer 6

NAF= need to avoid failure.
1. Give up easily.
2. Do not like feedback or evaluation.
3. Take easy options.
4. Avoidance behaviour.
5. Attributes failure internally.

Question 7

What determines the NACH or NAF approach?

Answer 7

Achievement motivation= the drive to succeed- the fear of failure.
- Therefore there is a balance between the personality of the performer and the situation.
- So the level of achievement motivation depends on the interaction of personality and situation.
- NACH and NAF are situation specific.

Question 8

NAF- situational characteristics