The Dynamics of Goal Setting Within a Multi-Events Competition
Author
Marshall, Christopher
Date
2013Type
Thesis
Publisher
Cardiff Metropolitan University
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
The process of setting and achieving goals has been used by athletes as a
motivational tool and a source of confidence (Burton & Weiss, 2008), making it an
important psychological factor to consider when studying sport performance. The
purpose of this study was to investigate the dynamic nature of goal setting within a
multi-event competition. The aim was to attempt to identify the processes used when
setting and revising goals, as well as the reasons behind these decisions, to help
provide athletes and coaches with a greater understanding of how goal setting
processes can be more effective. An international heptathlete was selected for this
investigation, which took the form of a case study. This approach required the
participant to complete a goal setting diary for each of her competitions, with the
analysis of these diaries forming the basis for a follow-up interview. An inductive
content analysis was conducted on the interview transcript to produce key themes
relating to the participant’s goal setting and its dynamic nature. Results showed that
the participant set a combination of goals, but outcome and performance goals in
particular elicited pressure, most notably when their achievement was in doubt.
Ambiguous process goals also had this effect. These goals were revised during the
competition, primarily based on the performance of the other competitors and the
participant’s perceived physical state. The consequence of this process may be that
motivation was supported and confidence protected since the revised goals
permitted a sense of achievement. This highlighted that the goal setting process was
a dynamic one, with athletes changing their goals during competition. Therefore,
coaches should reinforce appropriate goals and attempt to establish more effective
process goals with their athletes, based on technique and self-regulation.
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