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This study investigated the psychometric properties of a Sport Motivation Questionnaire (SMQ) for persons with mental retardation. The SMQ was administered to 147 Special Olympics athletes, aged 21-70 years. The SMQ contained 14 paired participation motives. Content experts and principle component factor analysis evaluated validity evidence of the SMQ. Five factors were extracted including (a) task orientation, (b) social integration, (c) fitness, (d) team orientation, and (e) social affective for 61% of the total variance. Reliability evidence was examined by test-retest and internal consistency. Test-retest reliability using intraclass correlation ranged from .50 to .98. Internal consistency of the SMQ employing Chronbach's alpha ranged from .50 to .98. Results provide preliminary support for the SMQ for persons with MR.
KEY WORDS: Special Olympics, Cognitive Impairment, Measurement
Achievement goal theory (Nicholls, 1984, 1989) is one of the most popular theoretical perspectives from which to address motivation in sport and physical activity. Achievement goal theory assumes that a person's individual achievement goals govern achievement beliefs and guides behavior in achievement settings. To understand motivation of people, it is important to know why one is in the achievement context (Roberts, 2001). According to achievement goal theory, the driving force behind achievement behaviors is the demonstration of competence.
Nicholls (1984, 1989) outlined two conceptions of ability, task and ego. In a taskoriented conception of ability, the demonstration of competence is achieved through learning, improving, and task mastery. Task oriented individuals participate in sport to improve ability, test oneself against ones own standards, and because of the excitement of the activity (Brasile & Hedrick, 1991). In the ego conception of ability, competence is based on the comparison of one's skill with others. Ego oriented people report playing sports to win, compete against others, compare oneself to others, and to get recognized for their ability (Brasile & Hedrick). Maehr and Nicholls (1980) argued for a third conception of ability, social incentives. The social incentive conception of ability is demonstrated through the establishment of relationships and recognition received from significant others. Individuals in this latter group report participating in sports as it gives them a chance to be with friends, offers opportunities for travel, and because it pleases those who are close to them (Brasile & Hedrick). Brasile (1989) found two additional...