Analysis of the differences between playing status, motivational climate, and basic needs in softball player performance

Alicia Reid

Graduation Date

2014

Document Type

Thesis

Program

Other

Program

Thesis (M.S.)--Humboldt State University, Kinesiology: Teaching/Coaching, 2014

Committee Chair Name

Rock Braithwaite

Committee Chair Affiliation

HSU Faculty or Staff

Keywords

Motivational climate, Sport, TARGET, Humboldt State University -- Theses -- Kinesiology, Needs satisfaction

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the differences between climate perception (performance or mastery oriented), playing status (starter or non-starter), and needs satisfaction (autonomy, competence, and relatedness), and overall athlete performance. Methods: Division II softball athletes (n = 19) and female head coach were video recorded during regularly occurring practice and game sessions throughout the beginning, middle, and end of season. Athletes completed the Perceived Motivational Climate in Sport Questionnaire-2 (PMCSQ-2) and the Basic Psychological Needs in Exercise Scale (BPNES) coinciding with video recording sessions which was coded using DARTFISH 6.0 TeamPro Software. Two separate two-way MANOVAS were performed. Results: Batting averages and fielding percentage were significantly higher for non-starters perceiving a performance climate than a mastery climate for non-starters. Whereas, starters who perceived a mastery climate had a significantly higher batting average, and more strike outs than starters who perceived a performance climate. There were no significant differences for overall needs satisfaction, but there were trends present. Starters' needs were most likely met, and athletes' needs who were not met had a higher batting average. Conclusion: Initial results showed that athletes involved in the same motivational climate perceive it differently and certain motivational climates best foster athletes' performance differently. Basic needs may only facilitate the foundational skill set involved to be successful in athlete performance.

https://scholarworks.calstate.edu/concern/theses/m039k717q

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