Week 2 reading

Question 1

Keegan et al., (2009) - what were the objectives of the paper?

Answer 1

To explore the applicability of motivational climate research to early career athletes under the age of 12

To re-examine the concept of motivational climate in light of recent scientific developments

To concurrently study the influence of coaches, parents and peers on motivation

Question 2

Keegan et al., (2009) - what was the method of the study?

Answer 2

Qualitative

40 participants (7-11y)nd rom various sports

Interviewed in focus groups, using a semi structured format to investigate the roles of the social agents.

An inductive content analysis was then conducted.

Question 3

Keegan et al., (2009) - what were the key findings?

Answer 3

Influence of coach related most strongly to the manner in which they perform their roles of instruction and assessment

Parents influence most salient in term of the way they support the child’s participation and learning

Peers influence motivation through competitive behaviours, collaborative behaviours, evaluative communications and through their social relationships.

Question 4

Keegan et al., (2009) - how did both parents and coaches exert influence?

Answer 4

Through their leadership styles, affective responses, and ore performance behaviours

Question 5

Keegan et al., (2009) - Children’s early involvement in organised sport is often considered to be a key opportunity for the development of what?

Answer 5

Movement skills

Social skills

Self esteem

Maintenance of health through PA

Question 6

Keegan et al., (2009) - What are some of the important reasons to study experiences of early career athletes?

Answer 6

Motor abilities are most receptive to development at younger ages

Participation in sport is likely to be an important opportunity to improve these basic motor skills

Creating / maintaining an optimal motivational climate amongst early career athletes is likely to increase participation, enjoyment and motor learning.

Question 7

Keegan et al., (2009) - What did Wylleman et al 2004 say that early career is characterised by?

Answer 7

Initiation / sampling stage - generally 6-13yrs

Participants who are promoted to try different sports, see what they’re good at / enjoy.

Emphasis is more on play and games.

Question 8

Keegan et al., (2009) - How does Roberts (2001) say that motivation is best understood?

Answer 8

As a function of the goals behind the motivated activity.

Question 9

Keegan et al., (2009) - Deci and Ryan 2000 say that motivation concerns what

Answer 9

They ‘why’ of behaviour

Question 10

Keegan et al., (2009) - What is stated in Vallerand’s hierarchical model? 1997

Answer 10

Parents will be a relatively global and omnipresent influence whereas coaches and peers are likely to exert motivational influences both at a contextual and situational level

Question 11

Keegan et al., (2009) - What is meant by motivational climate?

Answer 11

The motivational influence exerted by key social agents

Question 12

Keegan et al., (2009) - according to Nicholls 1989, why can children below the age of 11-12 not become ego involved?

Answer 12

Aren’t able to differentiate between ability and effort

Question 13

Keegan et al., (2009) - What does target stand for?

Answer 13

Tasks 
Authority 
Recognition 
Groupings 
Evaluation 
Timing

Question 14

Keegan et al., (2009) - How would target be applied to a task climate?

Answer 14

Collaborative tasks 
Democratic leadership 
Recognition for effort 
Mixed ability groups 
Individual evaluation 
Sufficient time for everyone to learn

Question 15

Keegan et al., (2009) - how would target be applied to an ego climate?

Answer 15

Competitive tasks 
Autocratic leadership 
Recognition of normative ability 
Segregation by ability 
Time for only the most advanced students to learn

Question 16

Keegan et al., (2009) - in their original framework of achievement goals, Nicholls & Maehr 1995 included a social approval goal orientation. What did they suggest about this?

Answer 16

It emphasises the desire for acceptance by significant others through conformity to norms while displaying maximal effort.

Question 17

Keegan et al., (2009) - Urdan and Maehr 1995 said social goals may include what?

Answer 17

Social welfare goals (I.e. benefit the larger society by becoming a productive member)

Social responsibility (I.e. to be conscientious)

Social affiliation (I.e. to feel a sense of belonging)

Social relationship goals

Social status goals

Question 18

Keegan et al., (2009) - what a mastery and performance climates hypothesised to induce?

Answer 18

Mastery - task goals

Performance - ego goals

Question 19

Keegan et al., (2009) - how is goal orientation linked to SDT?

Answer 19

Task ordinations linked with high SDM

Ego orientations linked with low SDM

Question 20

Keegan et al., (2009) - what was found about the influence of peers on motivation relative to coaches/parents?

Answer 20

Does not appear to be as significant

Question 21

Keegan et al., (2009) - how could need supporting among coaches and parents be evidenced?

Answer 21

Supporting autonomy could be evidenced through collaborative leadership styles whilst relatedness was supported by facilitating friendships.

Question 22

Keegan et al., (2009) - What did Wentzel 1993 show about high and low achievers?

Answer 22

High - frequently pursue both academic and social goals

Low - display a unique unwillingness to try to conform to the social and normative standards of the classroom.

Question 23

Keegan et al., (2009) - what should be central among young participants?

Answer 23

Considerations of positivity

Question 24

Keegan et al., (2009) - what are some limitations of the study?

Answer 24

Young age of participants may have influenced their ability to recall / articulate

Use of focus groups - social desirability