Abstract
The purpose of this study is to ascertain whether or not a self-determination continuum underlies the different types of motivation which regulate an athlete's behaviour. In order to test this postulate which emanates from organismic integration theory (Deci & Ryan, 1985, 1991), the correlations between the different types of motivation compiled in Chatzisarantis, Biddle, Hagger & Smith's meta-analysis (2003) were reanalyzed using a Facet Theory approach. More precisely, correlation coefficients, corrected for sampling error and measurement error, were analyzed with smallest space analyses. Results indicate the presence of an axial model confirming the idea that a simplex pattern underlies the data (i.e., a self-determination continuum). However, supplementary analyses also show that a two-dimensional model (Task interest and internalization) can also represent the data adequately. Results are discussed with respect to those reported in Chatzisarantis et al.'s (2003) study as well as various methodological and theoretical considerations.Acknowledgments: This study was made possible by a grant received by the author from SSRHC and FQRSC.