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