Towards a better understanding of the role of perceived task variety in Physical Education: A self-determination theory approach

Abstract

Grounded in self-determination theory (SDT), perceived task variety has been related to motivational outcomes and physical activity-related behaviors in exercise settings. However, no studies have examined the role of perceived task variety in Physical Education (PE) from an SDT perspective. This cross-sectional study aspires to expand the role of perceived task variety from the context of exercise to the field of PE via multi-study: Study 1, in a sample of 210 students (Mage = 13.07 ± 0.64), aims to validate the Perceived Task Variety in Physical Education (PTVPE) questionnaire; Study 2, in a sample of 908 students (Mage = 14.35 ± 1.54), aims to examine whether perceived task variety in PE predicts additional variance in physical activity intention when assessed alongside satisfaction of the basic psychological needs, through the mediating effect of self-determined motivation. In Study 1, results showed that PTVPE is a valid and reliable questionnaire to measure perceived task variety in PE, displaying a one-factor structure invariant across gender. Perceived task variety in PE was found to be empirically distinct from the satisfaction of the other three basic psychological needs. In addition, perceived task variety predicted variance in autonomous motivation in PE, in addition to that explained by the satisfaction of the three basic psychological needs. In Study 2, results indicated that perceived variety in PE, alongside need satisfaction, explained autonomous motivation and amotivation, and that it indirectly benefited intention to be physically active. The PTVPE is the first valid and reliable instrument to measure students' perceptions of task variety in PE lessons using an SDT approach. Taken together, these findings contribute to further understanding the role of perceived task variety on students' motivational outcomes in PE and physical activity intention.