Motivation orientation differences on gender and age and physical activity

Achievement goal theory has been the subject of extensive research in recent years. Although theorists differ on terminology, they all agree that goals influence individuals ’ responses to achievement settings and suggest that individuals ’ goal orientations influence motivated behavior (Williams & Gill 1995). Achievement goal orientation and perceived physical competence are two dimensions of motivation that interact to affect exercise behavior. According to Nicholls (1984, 1989) individuals can demonstrate competence via two goal orientations. Under a task goal orientation, ability is conceived in terms of learning, improvement and effort, and these qualities lead to greater mastery and achievement. Thus, ability and success is self-referenced. In contrast, an ego goal orientation denotes a conception that the demonstration of competence is dependent upon performing favorably in comparison to others. A considerable body of research has dealt with that a task orientation facilitates intrinsic motivation and is positively correlated with enjoyment and interest on sport participation as well as with self reported effort while ego orientation is negativel