Atkinson's Model of Achievement Motivation

Understanding Achievement Motivation

Atkinson's model, developed in the 1960s, explains why some athletes are more motivated to achieve success than others. It's based on the idea that achievement behavior results from a conflict between two opposing forces:

1. The motivation to achieve success (Ms)
2. The motivation to avoid failure (Maf)

Achievement motivation is the difference between these two forces: Achievement Motivation = Ms - Maf

The Components of Achievement Motivation

Motivation to Achieve Success (Ms)

This is made up of three factors:

1. Need for achievement (Nach)
2. Probability of success (Ps)
3. Incentive value of success (Is)

The relationship is expressed as: $Ms = Nach × Ps × Is$

Motivation to Avoid Failure (Maf)

Similarly, this consists of three components:

1. Fear of failure (Ff)
2. Probability of failure (Pf)
3. Incentive value of failure (If)

Expressed as: $Maf = Ff × Pf × If$

Remember that probability of success and probability of failure are inversely related: Ps + Pf = 1

How the Model Works in Practice

High Achievers

• Have strong Nach (need for achievement)
• Low fear of failure
• Choose moderately challenging tasks
• Persist longer when facing difficulties

A gymnast with high achievement motivation will:

• Choose routines that challenge their current skill level

• Practice consistently even after falls

• Set realistic but challenging goals

Low Achievers

• Have strong fear of failure
• Weak Nach
• Choose very easy or very difficult tasks
• Give up quickly when facing obstacles

Don't assume that all elite athletes are naturally high achievers. Achievement motivation can be developed through proper coaching and psychological training.

Practical Applications

The model helps coaches and athletes by:

1. Identifying individual motivation patterns
2. Setting appropriate challenge levels
3. Developing strategies to reduce fear of failure
4. Creating optimal learning environments

Coaches can use this model to tailor their approach based on whether an athlete is primarily motivated by success or held back by fear of failure.

Task Selection Patterns

![Diagram showing U-shaped curve of task selection preferences for success-oriented vs failure-avoiding individuals]

• Success-oriented athletes (high Ms) prefer intermediate difficulty tasks
• Failure-avoiding athletes (high Maf) prefer very easy or very difficult tasks

When working with failure-avoiding athletes, start with easier tasks and gradually increase difficulty to build confidence.

Limitations of the Model

While valuable, the model has some limitations:

• Doesn't account for external motivators
• May oversimplify complex motivational factors
• Doesn't consider situational variables
• Assumes motivation is relatively stable

Despite its limitations, Atkinson's model remains a useful tool for understanding and improving athletic performance through motivation management.