-I was able to make the shot when I was standing directly in front of the trash can. I wasn't able to make it 5 feet back, though. I felt equally confident with both shots because the distance to the trash can was not that far compared to something like a basketball hoop. I didn't make it the second time because I was not able to take into account the lightness of the paper ball enough to throw it effectively.
-Using intrinsic factors of motivation, I should have been able to make the second shot. My outcome expectation and self-efficacy were both positive because I didn't think that the shot would be that difficult.
-I think that the original distance was reasonable for making the shot, however it wasn't reasonable for a challenge. This might have affected my intrinsic motivation on the second shot because I thought that the first shot wasn't that difficult so I would automatically be able to make the second one.
-My confidence level stayed about the same from the first to the second shot. I made my first shot but it was really easy so I thought the second shot would be just as easy.
-When I asked myself why I didn't make the second shot, I knew it was because I didn't take into account the light weight of the paper ball over a greater distance. The ball was very light so you have to throw it differently than a regular ball. This was a controllable factor. All I need to do is practice to get used to the weight of the paper ball. This would help me improve the changes in my shot that I need to make it.
The attribution you made is interesting because it could be phrased as controllable or noncontrollable. I know that you didn't say either of these two extremes, but if you said something like 'I did a good job throwing, but the stupid ball was too light and that's why it didn't go in', that puts all the blame outside of yourself. This is similar to when students blame a teacher for their own learning difficulties. If you say something like 'In the process of tossing the ball, I realized the importance of the weight, and how my tossing strategy could be adapted for a ball that weighs less', that gives you a lot of knowledge and control in order to change your circumstances and success.
ReplyDeleteI think it is interesting the connection you made to the lightness of the ball, which caused you to miss the trashcan. For me when I did this exercise, I almost forgot to throw it extra hard to account for the lightness of the ball. I feel like you really had to concentrate on where you were standing and how hard you would have to throw it each time. I really enjoyed your blog post and analysis of the activity!
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