Achievement Motivation Theory

Abstract

There is a long history of research in sport psychology examining achievement motivation theory (AMT). This chapter traces the development of achievement motivation research in sport and then reviews AMT research in disability sport. Most of the research in sport and disability examines competitive orientation, which is the sport-specific version of achievement motivation. In particular, research based on Gill and colleagues’ work has used the Sport Orientation Questionnaire (SOQ), which enables researchers to assess competitiveness, goal orientation, and win orientation. Much of the research in disability sport has had modest goals of examining the three dimensions of the SOQ to determine if they differ in regard to able-bodied versus disability groups, acquired versus congenital disabilities, more versus less experienced athletes, and gender differences. Often researchers have found no or minimal differences and no practical ramifications. Researchers are urged to examine contemporary research questions that have grown out of work in this area, such as avoidant goals and the achievement motivation climate.