Sei-Yi Oh

Date of Graduation

2001

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between variables which were intrinsic motivation; goal orientation; skill level; challenge level; side-bets and flow experiences. The data were collected from golfers playing three different golf courses who volunteered to participate in this study. Ninety-one out of 117 participants answered all seven parts of questionnaires. The results of the multiple regression analysis were based on the ninety-one participants' questionnaires. Five hypotheses were addressed. The first hypothesis was that golfers who are more intrinsically motivated will experience higher levels of flow. The result of multiple regression analysis support hypothesis 1. The intrinsic motivation questionnaire had five sub-scales which were interest and enjoyment; perceived choice; pressure and tension; perceived competence; and effort. Only perceived competence and pressure and tension were significant. The second hypothesis was that golfers who are task-oriented will experience higher levels of flow than those who are ego-oriented. The results supported hypothesis 2. Task-orientation was significant on multiple regression analysis while ego-orientation was not. The third hypothesis was that higher levels of flow will be experienced on the more difficult holes. The results of multiple regression analysis failed to support hypothesis 3. The fourth hypothesis was that more skilled golfers will experience higher levels of flow than less skilled golfers. The results of multiple regression analysis failed to support hypothesis 4. The fifth hypothesis was that golfers who have side-bets during rounds will experience lower levels of flow. The results supported hypothesis 5. Golfers who bet during a round will have lower levels of flow experiences. The results are discussed in light of the limitations of the study and suggestions for future flow research in sport are presented.

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