Six Mini-Theories of SDT

What does Cognitive Evaluation Theory (CET) explain?

How autonomy and competence influence intrinsic motivation.

How does positive, informational feedback affect motivation?

Increases intrinsic motivation (“I’m improving”).

How do controlling rewards affect motivation?

Decrease intrinsic motivation (“I’m only doing this for a prize”).

List the three types of external events influencing intrinsic motivation.

Social, controlling, and amotivating events.

Effect of social environment on motivation.

Provides information about performance, influencing motivation positively or negatively.

Effect of controlling rewards.

External rewards make people feel controlled, decreasing intrinsic motivation.

Effect of amotivating events.

Negative feedback creates incompetence and lowers motivation.

What does Organismic Integration Theory (OIT) describe?

How external motivations are internalised.

Why is social context important in OIT?

Because others influence how much motivation is integrated.

List the four regulatory styles of OIT.

External, introjected, identified, integrated.

Define external regulation under OIT.

Controlled by external rewards or punishments (“I must”).

Define introjected regulation under OIT.

Driven by internal pressure or guilt (“I should”).

Define identified regulation under OIT.

Recognising value in behaviour (“I want”).

Define integrated regulation under OIT.

Behaviour aligns with personal values and identity.

What does Causality Orientations Theory explain?

How individual differences affect goal orientation and perception of control.

List the three orientations.

Autonomy, control, amotivation (impersonal).

Define autonomy orientation.

Motivation from interest and values.

Define control orientation.

Motivation from rewards and approval.

Define amotivated or impersonal orientation.

Low sense of control and competence → can lead to low self-esteem.

What does BPNT state?

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

How does Basic Psychological Needs Theory (BPNT) relate to motivation?

Satisfaction of needs supports intrinsic motivation

What does Goal Contents Theory differentiate?

Intrinsic vs extrinsic goals.

Examples of intrinsic goals.

Personal growth, relationships, community, health.

Examples of extrinsic goals.

Money, fame, image.

Which type of goals better satisfy psychological needs?

Intrinsic goals.

What does Relationships Motivation Theory focus on?

The fundamental need for relatedness.

What other needs support healthy relationships?

Autonomy and competence.

Why are supportive relationships important?

They are essential for psychological health and well-being.