The interactional view of motivation claims that motivation is an interaction between the individual and the situation. This view suggests that motivation is not solely determined by the individual or the situation but rather by the interaction between the two. It means that both internal and external factors play a role in motivating an individual.
The interactional view of motivation has important implications for psychology and sports psychology. It suggests individuals perceive their situation as challenging, but they are more likely to perform well within their abilities. They may be less motivated if they perceive the situation as too difficult or too easy.
Key Takeaways
- Motivation is an interaction between the individual and the situation.
- Both internal and external factors play a role in motivating an individual.
- Perception of the situation can have a significant impact on motivation.
The Individual and Situation
According to the interactional view of motivation, motivation is an interaction between the individual and the situation. It means that the individual’s characteristics and their situation play a significant role in determining their motivation.
The individual’s personality, values, beliefs, and goals are all factors that influence their motivation. For example, someone who values achievement may be more motivated to work hard and achieve their goals than someone who does not place as much importance on achievement.
The situation also plays a significant role in determining motivation. The characteristics of the situation, such as its difficulty, complexity, and novelty, can all impact motivation. For example, someone may be more motivated to complete a challenging task they have never done before than a task they have done many times before.
Person and situation interactions are also essential in determining motivation. For example, someone who is naturally introverted may be less motivated to participate in a group activity than someone extroverted. However, if the situation is structured to allow for individual contributions, the introverted person may be more motivated to participate.
The interactional view of motivation highlights the importance of considering both the individual and the situation when trying to understand motivation. Understanding these factors can better understand what motivates people and how to create situations that promote motivation.
Interactional View
Motivation is a complex process that involves both internal and external factors. The interactional view of motivation claims that motivation is an interaction between the individual and the situation. It means that the individual or the situation does not solely determine motivation, but instead by the interaction between the two.
According to the interactional view of motivation, individual and situational factors play a role in determining motivation. Individual factors include personality, values, beliefs, and goals, while situational factors include the environment, rewards, and feedback. These factors interact with each other to determine the level of motivation.
The interactional view of motivation emphasizes the importance of understanding the unique characteristics of each individual and situation. It recognizes that what motivates one person may not motivate another and that the same situation may affect different people differently. Therefore, it is important to consider individual and situational factors when understanding motivation.

The interactional view of motivation highlights the complex nature of motivation and the importance of considering both individual and situational factors. We can better understand what motivates individuals and create environments that foster motivation by understanding the interaction between these factors.
Motivation and Goals
Goals are an essential component of this interactional view of motivation. They provide direction and purpose and serve as a benchmark for measuring progress and success.
Goals can be classified into two types: intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic goals are inherently rewarding and satisfying, such as personal growth, autonomy, and social connections. On the other hand, extrinsic goals are pursued for external rewards, such as money, status, and recognition.
Research has shown that individuals who pursue intrinsic goals are more likely to experience greater well-being and life satisfaction than those who pursue extrinsic goals. This is because intrinsic goals align with the individual’s values and interests, whereas extrinsic goals are often imposed by society and can lead to feelings of pressure and stress.
Therefore, when setting goals, it is essential to consider both intrinsic and extrinsic factors and strive to balance the two. This can be achieved by setting goals that align with one’s values and interests while also considering external factors such as financial stability and social recognition.
The interactional view of motivation emphasizes the importance of goals in motivating behavior. Individuals can increase motivation and enhance their well-being by setting goals that align with their needs and interests.
Psychology and Sport Psychology
This theory has been applied in psychology and sports psychology to explain why some athletes perform better than others in certain situations.
Coleman Griffith, a pioneer in sport psychology, was among the first to apply the interactional view of motivation to sports. He believed that an athlete’s personality and the situation they find themselves in can affect their motivation and, ultimately, their performance.
In psychology, the interactional view of motivation has been used to explain why some individuals are more motivated than others in certain situations. For example, a naturally curious student who enjoys learning may be more motivated to study than a student who finds the subject boring.
In sport psychology, the interactional view of motivation has been used to explain why some athletes perform better than others in certain situations. For example, an athlete who is naturally competitive and enjoys the pressure of competition may be more motivated to perform well in a high-pressure game than a more laid-back athlete.
The interactional view of motivation has been a valuable tool in psychology and sport psychology for understanding why individuals are motivated to perform certain actions in certain situations.
The Role of the Coach
A coach’s style can either enhance or hinder an athlete’s motivation. A supportive, encouraging, and positive coach can create an environment that fosters motivation. On the other hand, a coach who is critical, negative, and unsupportive can demotivate an athlete.
Coaches who adopt a mastery-oriented approach, focusing on skill development and personal improvement, can enhance an athlete’s motivation. In contrast, a performance-oriented approach, focusing on winning and external rewards, can hinder an athlete’s motivation.

Therefore, the coach’s role is critical in shaping an athlete’s motivation. A coach who understands the interactional view of motivation can create an environment that fosters motivation and enhances an athlete’s performance.
Theories and Explanations
One theory that supports the interactional view of motivation is the self-determination theory. This theory suggests that individuals are motivated when they feel a sense of autonomy, competence, and relatedness.
Autonomy refers to the feeling of being in control of one’s actions, competence refers to the feeling of being able to perform a task successfully, and relatedness refers to the feeling of being connected to others.
Another explanation for the interactional view of motivation is the goal-setting theory. This theory suggests that individuals are motivated when they have clear and specific goals to work towards. The theory also suggests that feedback and rewards are important in maintaining motivation.
The interactional view of motivation emphasizes the importance of personal and situational factors in motivating individuals. Understanding these factors can create environments that foster motivation and help individuals achieve their goals.
Conclusion
The interactional view of motivation suggests that motivation is a result of the interaction between two factors: personal factors and situational factors. Personal factors include an individual’s beliefs, values, and attitudes, while situational factors include the environment, social context, and external rewards.
It is important to note that these factors are not independent of each other but rather interact to influence motivation. For example, the social context may influence an individual’s beliefs and attitudes, affecting their motivation.
Overall, the interactional view of motivation provides a comprehensive understanding that considers personal and situational factors. This perspective can be useful in various settings, such as education, work, and sports, where understanding what motivates individuals is crucial for success.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the interactional factors in achievement motivation?
The interactional view of motivation claims that motivation is an interaction of personal and situational factors. Personal factors include an individual’s needs, interests, and personality traits. Situational factors include the environment, task characteristics, and social interactions.
What two main situational factors influence achievement motivation?
Task difficulty and feedback are the two main situational factors that influence achievement motivation. Task difficulty refers to the level of challenge presented by the task, while feedback refers to the information provided about the individual’s performance.
Which view of motivation claims that motivation is an interaction of two factors?
The interactional view of motivation claims that motivation is an interaction of personal and situational factors. This view emphasizes the importance of considering both factors in understanding an individual’s motivation.
What is the sport-specific form of achievement motivation called?
The sport-specific form of achievement motivation is called competitiveness. Competitiveness refers to an individual’s desire to win and outperform others in a specific sport or activity.
How are internal and external attributions linked to motivation?
Internal attributions refer to explanations for success or failure that are attributed to an individual’s internal characteristics, such as ability or effort. External attributions refer to explanations that are attributed to external factors, such as luck or task difficulty. These attributions can influence an individual’s motivation by affecting their beliefs about their ability to succeed in the future.
What does a task goal orientation usually lead to?
A task goal orientation usually leads to a focus on personal improvement and mastery of a task. This orientation is associated with higher levels of intrinsic motivation and a greater willingness to take on challenging tasks.