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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