The Influence of Task Value, Expectancies for Success, and Identity on Athletes' Achievement Behaviors

Abstract

This study extended and supported the use of Eccles et al.'s (1983) expectancy-value model to a competitive sport context. High school varsity basketball players (N = 189) were assessed on expectancies for success, interest value, attainment value, utility value, and basketball identity. Achievement behavior was measured as coaches't ratings of players' effort and persistence displayed throughout the season. Significant differences emerged between African-American and White athletes on all variables; however, no gender differences were present. Regression analyses indicated different patterns in the relationships among self- and task beliefs and achievement behaviors by race. Structural equation modeling demonstrated that self- and task beliefs mediated the relationship between identity and effort and persistence. Specifically, identity was a strong predictor of self- and task beliefs and expectancies significantly predicted effort and persistence. Explanations for the racial differences are discussed as well as the role that identity plays in the expectancy-value model and practical implications for coaches.

Anne E. Cox is now at the Department of Health and Kinesiology, Purdue University.

We would like to thank Maureen R. Weiss for her guidance and statistical advice on this manuscript, as well as the two anonymous reviewers and associate editor for their helpful comments and suggestions. Anne E. Cox conducted this study as fulfillment for a master's thesis under the guidance of Dr. Diane E. Whaley at the University of Virginia.

Notes

¹The complete scales used to assess expectancies and subjective task value are available from the first author upon request.

*p < .05

**p < .01

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**p < .01

²Amos 4 does not report the significance of indirect effects. Therefore, the model was subsequently examined using Lisrel in order to assess the indirect relationship between identity and effort and persistence. The results of this analysis indicated that this indirect relationship was nonsignificant.