Self-Determination Theory

Question 1

SDT

Answer 1

a theory of human motivation focused on how social environments foster or hinder intrinsic motivation, self-regulation, and psychological well-being

Question 2

SDT proposes that people have three innate psychological needs:

Answer 2

• Autonomy – feeling in control of one’s actions.
• Competence – feeling effective in one’s activities.
• Relatedness – feeling connected to others.

Question 3

Key Components of SDT - Intrinsic Motivation

Answer 3

Maintained only when social environments support autonomy and competence.

Question 4

Cognitive Evaluation Theory (CET)

Answer 4

a sub-theory of SDT – explains how external factors influence intrinsic motivation.

Question 5

SDT explains how people can internalize these motivations through

Answer 5

organismic integration theory (OIT), creating a self-determination continuum:

• Amotivation – no intention to act.
• External regulation – driven by rewards/punishments.
• Introjected regulation – driven by guilt or ego.
• Identified regulation – personal valuing of the goal.
• Integrated regulation – full internalization, aligned with self.
• Intrinsic motivation – doing for inherent satisfaction.

Question 6

Internalization and integration of extrinsic motivation require:

Answer 6

• Relatedness – feeling cared for increases willingness to adopt others’ values.
• Competence – confidence enhances adoption of valued behaviors.
• Autonomy – understanding and choosing values freely supports integration.