Psychometric Properties of the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory in a Competitive Sport Setting: A Confirmatory Factor Analysis
Abstract
The present study was designed to assess selected psychometric properties of the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory (IMI) (Ryan, 1982), a multidimensional measure of subjects' experience with regard to experimental tasks. Subjects (N = 116) competed in a basketball free-throw shooting game, following which they completed the IMI. The LISREL VI computer program was employed to conduct a confirmatory factor analysis to assess the tenability of a five factor hierarchical model representing four first-order factors or dimensions and a second-order general factor representing intrinsic motivation. Indices of model acceptability tentatively suggest that the sport data adequately fit the hypothesized five factor hierarchical model. Alternative models were tested but did not result in significant improvements in the goodness-of-fit indices, suggesting the proposed model to be the most accurate of the models tested. Coefficient alphas for the four dimensions and the overall scale indicated adequate reliability. The results are discussed with regard to the importance of accurate assessment of psychological constructs and the use of linear structural equations in confirming the factor structures of measures.
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In Experiment 3, motivation for the subject was measured with nine items from a subject-level version of the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory (α = .86).
“The students' motivation for the subject was measured with nine items from a subject-level version of the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory (McAuley, Duncan, & Tammen, 1989; Self-Determination Theory, 2008; e.g., 'I find this class interesting'; 𝛂 = .86).”
From Why grades engender performance-avoidance goals: The mediating role of autonomous motivation. (2011) · cites this paper as McAuley, Duncan, & Tammen, 1989
The validity and reliability of the IMI is well established, with the most widely cited version used with undergraduate students reporting an overall Cronbach's alpha coefficient of .85.
“The validity and reliability of the IMI is well established, with the most widely cited version used with undergraduate students reporting an overall Cronbach's alpha coefficient of .85 (good; McAuley et al., 1989, p. 51).”
From AI Literacy in the Communication Basic Course: Insights on Embedding, Motivation, and Reducing Uncertainty (2026) · cites this paper as McAuley et al., 1989
Previous application and resulting analysis of the IMI has shown strong support for its validity.
“Previous application, and resulting analysis, has shown strong support for its validity. 48,49”
From Fostering Motivation toward Chemistry through Augmented Reality Educational Escape Activities. A Self-Determination Theory Approach (2022) · cites this paper as [48]
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- Authors
- McAuley, E., Duncan, T., & Tammen, V. V.
- Affiliations
- University of Oregon (US)
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (US)
- ORCID
- McAuley, Edward
- Venue
- Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport
- Publisher
- Informa UK Limited
- Published
- 1989-03
- Volume
- 60
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 48-58
- ISSN
- 0034-5377 (ISSN-L)
- 0270-1367
- 2168-3824
- OpenAlex
- W2150454725
- Cited by
- 2,694
- References
- 4
- Citations by year
- 2026: 158 · 2025: 180 · 2024: 193 · 2023: 232 · 2022: 191 · 2021: 163 · 2020: 140 · 2019: 149 · 2018: 142 · 2017: 142 · 2016: 135 · 2015: 114 · 2014: 94 · 2013: 91 · 2012: 101
- FWCI
- 6.72
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Motivation and Self-Concept in Sports
- Social Sciences › Decision Sciences › Management Science and Operations Research › Psychometric Methodologies and Testing
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Developmental and Educational Psychology › Sport Psychology and Performance
- Keywords
- Intrinsic Motivation Inventory, intrinsic motivation, psychometric properties, factor structure, basketball, free throw shooting, competitive sports, motivation measurement
- MeSH terms
- Adult, Basketball, Competitive Behavior, Factor Analysis, Statistical, Female, Humans, Male, Motivation, Psychological Tests, Psychometrics, Chi-Square Distribution
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