Understanding the Underlying Motivation Behind the Use of Self-Tracking Devices in Sport
Author
Lacombe, Jeanne Camille Marie Armelle
Term
4. term
Publication year
2026
Submitted on
2026-08-14
Abstract
This thesis explores why people use self-tracking devices in sport and how they perceive and integrate these technologies into their training practices. Drawing on self-determination theory and affordance theory, it employs a mixed-methods, sequential explanatory design that combines a quantitative survey with semi-structured qualitative interviews. The survey, completed by 63 users of self-tracking devices, uses the Sport Motivation Scale-II alongside questions about training and tracking habits and perceived affordances; K-means clustering is then applied to identify distinct motivational profiles. Seven affordance dimensions are conceptually grouped and reported as prevalence rates, and interview data are thematically analyzed and integrated with the survey findings to construct user personas. The study identifies four motivational clusters, ranging from low motivation to highly self-determined profiles, with the type of sport motivation reflected in how the device is used. A clear hierarchy of affordances emerges: Documentation, Motivation, and Achievement are perceived by over 80% of participants, whereas Comparison with others remains relatively marginal despite its prominence in many sport apps. Four user personas show that users differ not only in their motivation toward sport but also in how they understand the role and possibilities of the device and how they engage with tracking. The thesis concludes that motivation for sport and motivation for tracking are related yet distinct processes, and that the same technology is used, perceived, and valued in markedly different ways depending on the user. Differentiating these forms of motivation offers a more precise basis for designing features and feedback that support sustained and meaningful engagement with self-tracking technologies in sport.
Denne afhandling undersøger, hvorfor mennesker bruger selv-tracking-enheder i sport, og hvordan de opfatter og anvender disse teknologier i deres træningspraksis. Med udgangspunkt i selvbestemmelsesteori og affordanceteori gennemføres et mixed-methods studie i et sekventielt forklarende design, hvor en spørgeskemaundersøgelse kombineres med semistrukturerede interviews. Spørgeskemaet, besvaret af 63 brugere af selv-tracking-enheder, anvender Sport Motivation Scale-II og spørgsmål om trænings- og trackingvaner samt oplevede muligheder (affordances), hvorefter K-means clustering identificerer forskellige motivationsprofiler. Syv affordancedimensioner grupperes konceptuelt og opgøres som udbredelse blandt deltagerne, og interviewdata analyseres tematisk og integreres med surveyresultaterne til udvikling af brugerpersonas. Resultaterne viser fire motivationsklynger fra lav motivation til højt selvbestemt motivation, hvor typen af sportslig motivation afspejles i måden, enheden bruges på. Der fremkommer en tydelig hierarki af affordances, hvor dokumentation, motivation og præstation opfattes af over 80 % af deltagerne, mens sammenligning med andre er relativt marginal, selv om det fylder meget i mange sportsapps. Fire brugerpersonas illustrerer, at brugere ikke alene varierer i deres motivation for sport, men også i hvordan de ser enhedens rolle og muligheder og i deres engagement med tracking. Afhandlingen konkluderer, at motivation for sport og motivation for tracking er relaterede, men adskilte processer, og at den samme teknologi kan få meget forskellig betydning afhængigt af brugeren. En klar sondring mellem disse motivationsformer giver et mere præcist grundlag for at designe funktioner og feedback, der understøtter vedvarende og meningsfuld brug af selv-tracking-teknologier i sport.
[This abstract has been generated with the help of AI directly from the project full text]