Computerized motivation assessment: a cross-sectional study on sports students in risk of school dropout

In obtaining sports or academic performances, the activity of the professor or coach significantly influences the motivation of students and athletes. In addition to cognitive skills, the general motivation for performance is an essential prerequisite for professional success. The goal of our research was to identify the level of motivation of students from the National University of Physical Education and Sports from Bucharest, in order to intervene in their professional and personal development. This research included a number of 83 students, aged between 19 and 21 years, 57 male and 26 female, which were at risk of school dropout. The Achievement Motivation Inventory (AMI) was used, being applied through a computerized platform. The general motivational index was used, representing a simple arithmetic sum of the 17 structural scales of AMI (for instance, persistence, confidence in success, dominance, eagerness to learn, flexibility, internality, self-control). One-way ANOVA revealed significant differences regarding motivation, taking into account the practiced sport: students practicing sports having direct contact with the opponent, students practicing sports without direct contact and students which practice sport as leisure. Gender differences were asserted, considering two structural scales of AMI: dominance and self-control. Also, there were identified the sports-practicing students which were unmotivated or over-motivated. In their case, an intervention was necessary, with priority, for their future development and in order to minimize the risk of school dropout. General principles and techniques which favor the development of motivation, strategies for connection to intrinsic motivation, as well as motivation strategies through external (extrinsic) stimulation have been highlighted.