Question

An athlete is more motivated when she plays against competitors who are better than she is than when she plays better than her competitors. This is an example of which approach to motivation?

1) trait-centered
2) situational
3) interactional
4) individual

Answer 1

The athlete's motivation when competing against better opponents is an example of the interactional approach to motivation, which considers both the individual's traits and the situational factors. Therefore, the correct option is 3) interactional.

Step-by-step explanation:

An athlete who is more motivated when playing against competitors who are better than her is an example of the interactional approach to motivation. This approach recognizes that motivation is a result of both the individual's characteristics and the situation at hand. The challenge of facing superior opponents can serve as a motivational factor, pushing the athlete to work harder and improve. It's a dynamic interaction between the internal factors of the athlete, such as her self-efficacy and need for achievement, and the external factors like the level of the competition she's facing.

In line with social psychology, motivation can indeed be affected by situational factors, such as the nature of the competition, but also by dispositional factors related to the individual's own traits and beliefs. Moreover, cultural context, such as coming from a collectivistic or individualistic society, can influence the way motivation is experienced and expressed. In a collectivistic culture, success in sports might be attributed to the support and effort of the group, while in an individualistic culture, personal effort and abilities may be highlighted.