Expectancy beliefs and perceived values of Chinese college students in physical education and physical activity.
BACKGROUND
The expectancy-value theory postulates that motivation relies on individuals' beliefs of success, perceived Attainment, Intrinsic Interest, and Utility values and Cost. This study examined Chinese college students' expectancy-value motivation in relation to physical education and self-initiated physical activity.


METHODS
A random sample of 368 Chinese university students responded to questionnaires on perceived expectancy beliefs, perceived values, and cost in terms of their experiences in mandatory physical education programs and in self-initiated after-school physical activity. They reported their choice decisions for continuing physical education. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, X2, logistic and linear regressions.


RESULTS
The physical education curriculum was perceived as a major cost to motivation. Motivated by the Intrinsic Interest and Utility value, most students chose to continue to take physical education. Self-initiated after-school physical activity was motivated by the Attainment value only. No association was found between self-initiated physical activity and Liking or Disliking of physical education.


CONCLUSIONS
Motivation for physical education and for self-initiated physical activity derived from different perceived values. The Attainment value motivates the students for self-initiated physical activity, whereas Intrinsic Interest and Utility values motivate them to choose to continue physical education.
Chen
Ang
A
Dept of Kinesiology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA.
Liu
Xinlan
X
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health / Q000208:ethnology*; D002681:China; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009042:Motivation; D010806:Physical Education and Training; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires