摘要：For the past 25 years, researchers have found momentum to be a difficult variable to quantify scientifically. While various definitions of momentum have been utilized and the numerous methods undertaken to investigate its significance, there is a need for more focused, empirical study of certain aspects of this potentially vast factor. Although mostly ignored by researchers, the Antecedents-Consequences Model (ACM; Vallerand, Colavecchio, & Pelletier, 1988) provided a specific framework in which to understand this potentially broad concept. The ACM, which suggested momentum may be experienced by both spectators and athletes, stated personal control (PC) is a fundamental variable establishing whether psychological momentum is perceived. The present study explored the spectator aspect of the ACM by determining the relationship between personal control and perceptions of positive momentum. The Belief in Personal Control Scale (BPCS; Berrenberg, 1987) was completed by 68 participants who then observed one-half of an intercollegiate basketball game, recording perceived momentum sequences using a momentum inventory (Burke, Aoyagi, Joyner, & Burke, 2003). Researchers hypothesized those individuals with low external control, high internal control, or low God-mediated control scores would perceive more positive momentum sequences than peers with opposite scores. Results showed a significant inverse relationship between numbers of perceived positive momentum sequences and external control scores, thus partially supporting the ACM and the hypotheses. The level of external control may be more important in explaining perceptions of momentum than the level of internal or God-mediated control. Furthermore, feelings of exaggerated internal control or one’s belief in a Higher Being’s control did not affect the perception of control in achievement-oriented events.
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