The Hierarchy Model of Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation (HMIEM) is a way to understand why people are motivated to do things, like playing sports, based on different factors (Verner-Filion & Vallerand, 2019). It uses a multilevel approach and a theory called Self-Determination Theory to explain this.
Imagine the HMIEM like a tall tower with different levels. Each level represents a different way that motivation works in a person. There are three main levels in this tower:
1. The top level is like the foundation and represents a person’s usual way of functioning, which includes their personality. For example, some people are generally very motivated in life, while others may be less motivated overall.
2. The middle level is about how motivated a person is in a specific situation or context. It could be related to sports, school, or other things. For example, someone might be really motivated when playing sports but not so much when studying.
3. The bottom level represents a person’s motivation at any specific moment during an activity. For example, during a game, a person’s motivation might change based on how well they’re doing or how they feel.
The HMIEM says that motivation at each level can affect the others. For instance, if someone is usually motivated in life (top level), it can influence how motivated they are during a game (bottom level). This is called the “proximity principle.”
The HMIEM also explains how social factors, like coaches or friends, can influence a person’s motivation. Social factors can affect motivation at different levels in the tower. For example, a coach can motivate a player generally (top level) or specifically during a game (bottom level).
The model also suggests that when people feel their needs are satisfied, they are more motivated. For example, if a player feels supported and encouraged by their team, they are more likely to be motivated to perform well.
Lastly, the HMIEM says that different types of motivation can lead to different outcomes. Intrinsic motivation, which comes from personal enjoyment and interest, tends to lead to the most positive outcomes compared to extrinsic motivation, which comes from external rewards or pressure.
Verner-Filion, J., & Vallerand, R. J. (2019). In D. Hackfort, R. J. Schinke, & B. Strauss (Eds.), Dictionary of sport psychology: Sport, exercise, and performing arts. Academic Press.
