Self-Determination Theory

• Intrinsic motivators - doing an activity for the inherent satisfaction of the activity itself   * fear of failure   * desire to do one’s best   * self-concept   * desire for knowledge   * satisfaction of meeting goals   * enjoyment of a challenge   * feeling of pride
• Extrinsic motivators - doing something to attain some separable outcome   * parental approval   * promotion at work   * grades   * peer group status   * reputation   * competition with sibling   * money   * praise
• autonomy, belonging, and competence are innate motivators
• Self-Determination Theory   * theory that explains growth motivated aspects of motivation and personality integration   * intrinsic motivation is the result of three basic innate psychological needs     * need for self-determination (autonomy)     * need for relatedness (belonging): need to establish close emotional bonds and attachments with other people     * need for competence
• autonomy supportive environments   * emphasize individual needs, interest, goals   * encourage choice and initiative   * provides rationales explaining     * value, utility, meaning of activities     * why rules and limits are necessary   * provide positive feedback about successes and improvements   * help individuals self-diagnose weaknesses with clear, unbiased criteria
• need for competence   * satisfaction of the need for competence is a foundation for:     * experiencing intrinsic motivation     * task choice, effort, and persistence   * how does competence feedback affect motivation?     * feedback that diminishes perceived competence undermines intrinsic motivation     * vice versa
• need for relatedness   * makes intrinsic motivation more likely   * enhances student engagement and well-being   * helps create a caring classroom climate
• variations in extrinsic motivation   * on a continuum   * slog   * external regulation     * least self-determined -- someone else is the reason we’re acting     * not that interested in the task     * compliance     * external rewards and punishments   * introjected regulation     * self-control     * internal rewards and punishment   * identified regulation and integrated regulation - more intrinsic, of personal importance

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