The Extrinsic Motivation - Case Study Example

Research Question The research question is on whether extrinsic motivation makes athletes to follow patterns different from those applied during training due to competition. To answer this research question, the study used cyclists to evaluate the effects of such extrinsic motivation on the trial performance (Hulleman, M et al. 2006). The research question is valid and cyclists are athletes and thus the sample is un-biased representative of athletes. In this case, the extrinsic motivational factors were monetary and also time comparisons with the previous best timings. However, in this case, as an ethical factor, the participants were not made aware of the financial benefit for reasons better know to the researcher/s. However, research ethics demands that any forms of benefit to the participants should be made known to them before participating in this study. However, an allowance is allowed in cases where the research is constrained by the budget or where the sponsors have not fully committed themselves early enough. Hypotheses The formulated hypothesis which the study aimed to prove is provided below; H0: Extrinsic motivation changes the time trial performance H1: Extrinsic motivation does not change the time trial performance The null hypothesis, H0 wanted to confirm that extrinsic motivation changes the time trial performance of a cyclist while the alternative, H1, was the contrary; extrinsic motivation does not change the time trial performance (Hulleman, M et al. 2006). This assertion is not in line with hypothesis formulation in which the null hypothesis always assumes non-effect of the phenomenon under study against the assumption that the phenomenon has effects (is effective). Again, the gender factor should be well captured since some of this motivation may be due to other factors like gender of the cyclist. It is always important to have a sample with males and females so that the impacts of gender on trial time performance can be determined certainly. In this case, the null hypothesis is rejected while the alternative is accepted and the conclusion that extrinsic motivation does not change time trials arrived at. In general, the hypothesis for this research study should have been as follows; H0: Extrinsic motivation does not change the time trial performance H1: Extrinsic motivation changes the time trial performance In such a case, the null hypothesis would have been accepted and the alternative rejected. Sampling In this research study, a sample of seven well trained cyclists was selected. The only problem with this kind of sample is whether it represents the entire population without bias. In any research study, any element so long as it meets the criteria set by the researcher should be given an equal chance of being selected. Further, due to heterogeneity of the population, a simple random sampling should be avoided as much as possible and stratified random sampling applied. Although simple random sampling gives all the elements in the population equal chances of being selected, it leads to biased samples since population traits are not considered. Simple random sampling is only applicable in cases where the population is homogenous and which is not the case here. In controlled experiments, factors not considered in the study may be the actual causes of the effects. In stratified random sampling, the population is subdivided into non-overlapping sub-groups and then a simple random sample selected from the sub-groups. In this case, the sample gotten represents the population well (un-biasely). Another very important aspect left during sampling is the indication of the gender representation of the data in the research study which should not be the case. Gender may have effects on the end results since the behaviour of male cyclists after a race will not be the sane as those of female cyclists. In an un-biased sample, the proportion of females and males should be highlighted. One important aspect that happened during the sample selection is the provision of free consent form which had been approved by review board of the institution. Variables Among the variables of interest in this study included; Age; Height; Mass; Total power output; Ventilatory threshold; Respiratory compensation threshold; Interpolated power output; and Heart Rate. Age, height and mass are independent variables and also constants while the others are dependent variables which depend on each other and the distance cycled. The most important variables in this research study are; Age; Total power output; Ventilatory threshold; Respiratory compensation threshold; Interpolated power output; and Heart Rate. This is so because, the above variables will enable the realization of research question. Reliability and Validity Reliability and validity of variables is tested through the use of the Cronbalch Alpha coefficient. If the Cronbalch Alpha coefficient is bigger than .5, then the variable if valid and reliable. Another technique of testing the reliability and validity of the variables is to predict the values of the response using arbitrary values of the explaining factors; independent variables. The analysis presented in this research study, regression analysis, is better predictor of reliability and validity. The formulated regression equations can forecast the values of the total power output and from the findings the researcher can certainly say whether a certain variable is significantly reliable and valid or not. Validity and reliability can further be determined using Exploratory Data Analysis (EDA) using a box plot or a stem and leaf plot for each of the variables. If many outliers, then the variable is not reliable and valid as it goes against the assumption of normality. In this research study, the reliability and validity of the variables has not been tested. It is assumed that the variables are valid and reliable which should not be the case. Research Design A research design depends entirely on the targeted population in any research study. Surveys and experiments are the mostly used research design techniques. In survey, the data is mostly gotten through observations while in experiments the response variable readings are recorded through the control of certain factors. Experimental design is also referred to as controlled design since the sample is divided into normal and controlled sub-groups in terms of the sample itself or the treatments (factors). The research design used in this research study is called controlled design (experimental). In controlled design, the research uses the same participants to perform a certain task with a certain factor (treatment) present and then use the same participants to perform the same task without the factor. In this case, the cyclists are to cycle without any form of motivation. Once the various readings are taken, the cyclists are then given a motivation, in form of money, and the same readings taken. The two readings are then compared and a result analyzed and presented. The research design helps the researcher to answer the question. Controlled design is strong as compared to other research designs because; The same participants are used thus reducing biasness; Before and after readings better depict the difference in the phenomenon under study; The analyzed results presents a better understanding of the factors; The researcher has no troubles trying to analyze such data; However, the controlled design has weaknesses in that; At times the participants gets used to behaving in a certain manner and end up giving un-tangible data; Internal effects may harbour the participant from giving his/her best for the research study. For correct results to be realised in this research study, there is need for total power output readings for males and females to be compared so that the difference can be explained to be much in females than in males or vice versa. This can from a basis for further research. In this research study, internal validity threats were controlled through the use of well trained sample who were allowed to make an informed consent about their participation in the research study. Further, the participants were habituated to cycling time in other studies making them better for the research study. Also, the participants underwent some light training. Data Analysis and Results Regression analysis, exploratory data analysis and descriptive statistics were used. Regression analysis led to a regression linear line used to predict the total power output of a cyclist given the other variables. Exploratory data analysis uses graphs to present data to even non-statisticians as they form a bird’s eye view of the phenomenon under study. Line graphs are the EDA technique used in this research study. Descriptive statistics shows the summary of the data in terms of the mean, variance, standard deviation with errors of estimation. Descriptive statistics shows the spread of the data before and after the control factor (treatment). P-values were also represented to show significance of the various parameters under study. P-values are used to gauge the significance of statistical parameters and the null hypothesis is rejected like in this case if p-value.05. In conclusion, the research study on intrinsic motivational effects followed most of the statistical requirements which are needed for a paper to attain the required scientific rigor. With the recommendations on sample selection, the research study can warrant further research in the area. References Hulleman, M et al. (2006). The Effects of Extrinsic Motivation on Cycle Time Trial performance. Official Journal of the American College of Sports Medicine, pp. 709-715 Read More

Variables Among the variables of interest in this study included; Age; Height; Mass; Total power output; Ventilatory threshold; Respiratory compensation threshold; Interpolated power output; and Heart Rate. Age, height and mass are independent variables and also constants while the others are dependent variables which depend on each other and the distance cycled. The most important variables in this research study are; Age; Total power output; Ventilatory threshold; Respiratory compensation threshold; Interpolated power output; and Heart Rate.

This is so because, the above variables will enable the realization of research question. Reliability and Validity Reliability and validity of variables is tested through the use of the Cronbalch Alpha coefficient. If the Cronbalch Alpha coefficient is bigger than .5, then the variable if valid and reliable. Another technique of testing the reliability and validity of the variables is to predict the values of the response using arbitrary values of the explaining factors; independent variables.

The analysis presented in this research study, regression analysis, is better predictor of reliability and validity. The formulated regression equations can forecast the values of the total power output and from the findings the researcher can certainly say whether a certain variable is significantly reliable and valid or not. Validity and reliability can further be determined using Exploratory Data Analysis (EDA) using a box plot or a stem and leaf plot for each of the variables. If many outliers, then the variable is not reliable and valid as it goes against the assumption of normality.

In this research study, the reliability and validity of the variables has not been tested. It is assumed that the variables are valid and reliable which should not be the case. Research Design A research design depends entirely on the targeted population in any research study. Surveys and experiments are the mostly used research design techniques. In survey, the data is mostly gotten through observations while in experiments the response variable readings are recorded through the control of certain factors.

Experimental design is also referred to as controlled design since the sample is divided into normal and controlled sub-groups in terms of the sample itself or the treatments (factors). The research design used in this research study is called controlled design (experimental). In controlled design, the research uses the same participants to perform a certain task with a certain factor (treatment) present and then use the same participants to perform the same task without the factor. In this case, the cyclists are to cycle without any form of motivation.

Once the various readings are taken, the cyclists are then given a motivation, in form of money, and the same readings taken. The two readings are then compared and a result analyzed and presented. The research design helps the researcher to answer the question. Controlled design is strong as compared to other research designs because; The same participants are used thus reducing biasness; Before and after readings better depict the difference in the phenomenon under study; The analyzed results presents a better understanding of the factors; The researcher has no troubles trying to analyze such data; However, the controlled design has weaknesses in that; At times the participants gets used to behaving in a certain manner and end up giving un-tangible data; Internal effects may harbour the participant from giving his/her best for the research study.

For correct results to be realised in this research study, there is need for total power output readings for males and females to be compared so that the difference can be explained to be much in females than in males or vice versa. This can from a basis for further research. In this research study, internal validity threats were controlled through the use of well trained sample who were allowed to make an informed consent about their participation in the research study.

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