Motivation and perceptions of control: Tracing its development and plotting its future in exercise and sport psychology

An analysis of control-related motivation constructs that have been studied in sport and exercise psychology is attempted using Skinner's(1995, 1996) agent-means-ends framework and her "competence system" model. I review and analyze six constructs or approaches that have received a great deal of att ention in our field in the past (locus of control and attributions), the pr esent (self-efficacy, achievement goal orientations, and perceived behavior al control), and, I predict, the future (self-determination theory). For ea ch construct or approach, I provide an overview and research summary follow ed by an analysis of its control-related properties using Skinner's framewo rks.