Self-Determination Theory and Motivation

Introduction

• People may decline offers of payment for tasks they would volunteer for free.
• Self-determination theory provides an explanation for this behavior.

Self-Determination Theory

• Developed by psychologists Richard Ryan and Edward Deci in the 1970s.
• Suggests behavior is driven by three basic needs:
  • Autonomy: Desire for freedom of choice.
  • Competence: Desire to feel skilled and capable.
  • Relatedness: Desire for belonging and feeling needed.

Motivation Spectrum

• Ranges from non-self-determined to self-determined.
• Quality ranges from lower forms to higher forms:
  1. Amotivation: Lack of motivation.
  2. Extrinsic Motivation: Motivation driven by external factors.
  3. Intrinsic Motivation: Motivation driven by internal satisfaction.

Six Types of Motivation

• Illustrated through the examples of Anton, Mary, Tai Chi, Abani, John, and Lalisa:

1. Amotivation

• Example: Anton lacks understanding and feels disconnected, undermining his autonomy and leading to amotivation.

2. Extrinsic Motivation: Externally Regulated

• Example: Mary is rewarded for doing well, but lacks autonomy when external rewards are not present.

3. Extrinsic Motivation: Introjected Regulation

• Example: Tai Chi competes with others but feels guilty when not on top, indicating external regulation.

4. Extrinsic Motivation: Regulation through Identification

• Example: Abinni values good grades, aligning with her self-image, but lacks connection to material.

5. Extrinsic Motivation: Integrated Regulation

• Example: John sees learning as self-improvement, regulated by an ideal, not fully autonomous.

6. Intrinsic Motivation

• Example: Lalisa learns out of curiosity, feeling connected and autonomous, achieving intrinsic motivation.

Cultural Differences

• American students often motivated by competition.
• Chinese students motivated by guilt and meeting expectations.

Extrinsic Rewards

• Discussion on the impact of extrinsic rewards on intrinsic motivation: Money motivates but can undermine intrinsic motivation.

Conclusion

• The theory explains shifts in motivation and the impact of external rewards.
• Self-determination can be regained by taking breaks, changing environments, or connecting with others.