A TEST OF 3 MODELS FOR THE PREDICTION OF INTENTION FOR PARTICIPATION IN PHYSICAL-EDUCATION LESSONS

In this study theoretical models concerning the determinants of high s chool students' intentions to participate in PE lessons were tested. T he relationship among Ajzen's (1988) planned behavior model, Eccles' ( 1983) value-expectancy model and goal theory (Nicholls, 1989) was exam ined. The sample was 394 adolescents in 16 physical education classes. The examined variables were, intention, perceived competence, task an d ego orientation in sport, perceptions of classes' learning and perfo rmance orientations, attitudes towards participation in all lessons, a ttitudes towards exercise and the teacher, perceived usefulness of the lesson, interest in the lesson had a direct effect on intention. Ego orientation and perception of class performance orientation were not r elated to intention. The rest of the variables had indirect effect on intention through the three above mentioned variables. Perceived compe tence and ego orientation had stronger association with intention for students perceiving high learning - low performance goals. It seems th at the three models, and their theoretical connection are promising in explaining students participation in physical education classes.