C3.2.3 Self-determination theory

What does Self-Determination Theory explain?

How and why people are motivated and how motivation affects performance.

What does motivation range from in Self-Determination Theory?

From low self-determination controlled by others to high self-determination driven by personal enjoyment and values.

What is amotivation?

A state of having no motivation at all.

Give an example of amotivation in sport.

An athlete does not see the point in training.

What is intrinsic motivation?

Doing an activity for pure enjoyment, satisfaction, or love of the activity.

Why is intrinsic motivation considered highly self-determined?

Because behaviour is self-driven and not controlled by external factors.

What stage comes just before intrinsic motivation on the SDT spectrum?

Integrated regulation.

Why is integrated regulation closely aligned with intrinsic motivation?

Because the behaviour is fully accepted as part of an individual’s identity.

What is controlled motivation?

Motivation driven by outside pressures or rewards.

What is external regulation?

Doing an activity to avoid punishment or gain a reward.

What is introjected regulation?

Doing an activity because of guilt, pressure, or pride.

What is autonomous extrinsic motivation?

Motivation that is external but chosen freely by the individual.

What is identified regulation?

Recognising the value of an activity and choosing to do it.

Give a sporting example of identified regulation.

Training because you know it improves fitness.

What is integrated regulation?

When behaviour is fully aligned with personal values and identity.

Give a sporting example of integrated regulation.

Training because being an athlete is part of who you are.

Give an example of intrinsic motivation in sport.

Playing football because it is fun and exciting.

What are the three basic psychological needs in SDT?

Autonomy, competence, and relatedness.

What is autonomy?

Wanting to make your own choices and feel in control of your actions.

Give a sporting example of autonomy.

Choosing to exercise because you enjoy it.

What is competence?

Wanting to feel skilled and capable of achieving success.

Give a sporting example of competence.

Improving shooting in basketball or learning a new gymnastics skill.

What is relatedness?

Wanting to feel connected, valued, and part of a group.

Give a sporting example of relatedness.

Feeling supported and accepted by teammates.

What does Cognitive Evaluation Theory (CET) focus on?

Intrinsic motivation and enjoyment of activities.

Which two factors are central to CET?

Autonomy and competence.

How does positive informational feedback affect intrinsic motivation?

It increases motivation by reinforcing competence.

How do controlling rewards affect intrinsic motivation?

They decrease motivation by making behaviour feel controlled.

Name three external events that affect intrinsic motivation.

Social environment, controlling events, and amotivating events.

How can the social environment affect motivation?

By providing information on performance.

How do amotivating events affect intrinsic motivation?

They decrease motivation by creating feelings of incompetence.

What does Organismic Integration Theory (OIT) explain?

How external motivations become internalised.

Why is social context important in OIT?

It influences how motivation is internalised.

List the four types of regulation described in OIT.

External, introjected, identified, and integrated regulation.

What does Causality Orientations Theory (COT) focus on?

Individual differences in how people orient themselves toward motivation.

What is autonomy orientation?

Being motivated by interests and values with self-driven actions.

What is control orientation?

Being motivated by rewards and approval.

What type of motivation is common in control orientation?

External or introjected motivation.

What is impersonal or amotivation orientation?

Seeing actions as beyond personal control and lacking motivation.

What is impersonal orientation often linked to?

Low competence and low self-esteem.

How do environments influence causality orientations?

Repeated exposure shapes how individuals tend to motivate themselves.

What does Basic Psychological Needs Theory (BPNT) state?

Well-being and growth depend on satisfying autonomy, competence, and relatedness.

What does Goal Contents Theory (GCT) differentiate between?

Intrinsic and extrinsic goals.

What are intrinsic goals?

Growth, relationships, community, and health.

What are extrinsic goals?

Money, fame, and image.

What does Relationships Motivation Theory (RMT) focus on?

Relatedness as a fundamental psychological need.

Why are relationships important in RMT?

They support psychological health and wellbeing.

Which needs support the development of healthy relationships according to RMT?

Autonomy and competence.