Attibutions and goal oritnations in master athletes: performance versus outcome

Abstract

Swimmers (N = 111) and track and field athletes (N = 77) participating in the Australian Masters Games completed the Task and Ego Orientation in Sport Questionnaire prior to their main event. Within 30 minutes of the event they rated and provided attributions for that performance. At the end of the day, when they were notified of their placing within the event, the athletes rated and provided attributions for their outcome. Participants rated their performances as more successful than their outcomes. Performances were perceived to be due to more internal and intentional causes than were outcomes. Task orientation predicted some of the attribution scores. The responses to the open ended question about the single most likely cause of their performance or outcome were qualitatively analyzed. Athletes high in task orientation and low in ego orientation tended to attribute performance to technique. Individuals who were low in both goal orientations showed signs of apathy, with little attempt made to explain the causes of performances and outcomes. Results support the practice of focusing on performance rather than outcome.