Self-Determination Theory

Deci and Ryan

Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation

• SDT looks at the degree of which a person’s behaviour is self-determined and self-motivated

• Intrinsic motivation is the drive to seek out challenges, to explore and learn

• Extrinsic motivation is motivation which is influenced by external factors

Competence, Relatedness, and Autonomy

• There are three psychological needs which are competence, autonomy, and relatedness. These needs are said to be universal. They are innate and not learnt, and have been seen across time, gender, and culture

• Competence: the ability to cope effectively with the environment a person finds themselves in

• Relatedness: the want to interact and be connected• Autonomy: being in control of your own life

Autonomy and Competence

• Autonomy: If intrinsic motivation becomes controlled by external rewards, then autonomy becomes undermined

• Competence: giving people praises and positive feedback helps increase their intrinsic motivation

Cognitive Evaluation Theory And Organismic Integration Theory

• Cognitive Evaluation Theory looks at how social and environmental factors effect intrinsic motivations

• Deci and Ryan found that positive feedback increases intrinsic motivations and reduced it

• Organismic Integration Theory describes four types of extrinsic motivations which vary in terms of their relative autonomy