Self-Determination Theory

Many theories and concepts from the past have been proposed by different researchers to explain how the sport subculture have grabbed a hold on the academic performance of the student-athlete. Self-Determination Theory, a macro theory of human motivation and personality that concerns people 's inherent growth and innate psychological needs. It is concerned with the motivation behind the said choices people make without the external influence and interference of others. The theory was made during the 1970’s but remain true with the constant research of different researchers in the field of Psychology. According to a research that expanded on the theory, the three psychological needs motivate the self to initiate behavior and specify nutriments

315 also stated by Tower, 2008, p. 9). Applying the Hierarchical Model of Intrinsic and and Extrinsic Motivation to athletes and academics, this shows that the sports culture has a tremendous influence over athletes, and since their academic success is highly related to their eligibility to play sports in turn influences athletes to be motivated in school and therefore leads to better grades. A study done by Synder (1990) and further researched upon by other psychologist say that “Participation in sport may lead to experiences, attitudes, self-perceptions, and treatment that may enhance the academic role for these reasons: (1) if one is participating in sports there may be an increased interest in the school, including the academic activities; (2) to maintain athletic eligibility, the athlete is motivated to perform at a higher academic level than average; (3) athletic success may lead to more heightened sense of worth that spills over into student-athlete’s academic achievement; (4) coaches, teachers, and parents take personal interest in athletes, including their classroom performance; (5) athletic participation that may lead to membership in elite peer groups and an orientation toward the student-athlete’s academic success; and

This repetition of reasons provides a strong basis for its validity, and is the basis for this work (Tower, 2008, p. 10).Another theory also done in the past was the Student Involvement Theory done by Alexander W. Astin during 1984 that was explained further by Iacavone (2007). Student Involvement Theory emphasizes on the active participation of students in the learning process (Astin, 1984). It also states that the student learning and development outcomes associated with any educational program are directly proportional to the quality and quantity of student involvement (Bateson & Taylor, 2004 stated also by Iacavone, 2007). The theory of Astin was also supported by 5 more postulates. Postulate one says that the involvement refers to the investment of physical and psychological energy in various objects. The Second Postulate says regardless of the object, involvement occurs along a