STUDY OF INTRINSIC MOTIVATION AS A PREDICTOR OF PLAYERS’ PERFORMANCE IN TEAM SPORTS

Abstract

Psychological variables deal with the cognition of human being and it has a significant impact on the performance of the people. The main intention of this study is to analyze the impact of intrinsic motivation on team players performance. According to the Self Determination Theory, individuals experience intrinsic motivation once their innate and fundamental needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness are satisfied and therefore considered as one of the important psychological construct. Three Hundred and eight (n=308) participants provided their responses to a self-administered questionnaire. Statistical calculations were done using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM. According to the results it is found that there is no relationship between intrinsic motivation and performance. Additional studies required to assess which psychological constructs are affecting player’s performance in Sri Lankan context.