title: Self-controlled learning benefits: exploring contributions of self-efficacy and intrinsic motivation via path analysis.
abstract: Research has shown learning advantages for self-controlled practice contexts relative to yoked (i.e., experimenter-imposed) contexts; yet, explanations for this phenomenon remain relatively untested. We examined, via path analysis, whether self-efficacy and intrinsic motivation are important constructs for explaining self-controlled learning benefits. The path model was created using theory-based and empirically supported relationships to examine causal links between these psychological constructs and physical performance. We hypothesised that self-efficacy and intrinsic motivation would have greater predictive power for learning under self-controlled compared to yoked conditions. Participants learned double-mini trampoline progressions, and measures of physical performance, self-efficacy and intrinsic motivation were collected over two practice days and a delayed retention day. The self-controlled group (M = 2.04, SD = .98) completed significantly more skill progressions in retention than their yoked counterparts (M = 1.3, SD = .65). The path model displayed adequate fit, and similar significant path coefficients were found for both groups wherein each variable was predominantly predicted by its preceding time point (e.g., self-efficacy time 1 predicts self-efficacy time 2). Interestingly, the model was not moderated by group; thus, failing to support the hypothesis that self-efficacy and intrinsic motivation have greater predictive power for learning under self-controlled relative to yoked conditions.
authors.affiliation: a School of Human Kinetics , University of Ottawa , Ottawa , Canada.
authors.forename: Diane M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Ste-Marie
authors.affiliation: a School of Human Kinetics , University of Ottawa , Ottawa , Canada.
authors.forename: Michael J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Carter
authors.affiliation: b School of Physical and Health Education , Nipissing University , North Bay , Canada.
authors.forename: Barbi
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Law
authors.affiliation: a School of Human Kinetics , University of Ottawa , Ottawa , Canada.
authors.forename: Kelly
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Vertes
authors.affiliation: a School of Human Kinetics , University of Ottawa , Ottawa , Canada.
authors.forename: Victoria
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Smith
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D009042:Motivation; D009048:Motor Skills / Q000502:physiology*; D012153:Retention, Psychology; D020377:Self Efficacy
keywords: Motor skill learning; knowledge of performance; learner-controlled; video feedback