• Self-Determination Theory

    • Self-Determination Theory

    Edward Deci & Richard Ryan

    Self-Determination Theory (SDT) is a theory of human motivation and personality that proposes that people have innate psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness, and that these needs influence the direction, intensity, and persistence of behavior. According to SDT, when these needs are met, people experience greater well-being and personal growth, and are more likely to engage in activities that are personally meaningful and beneficial. SDT is widely used in research and practice in fields such as education, health, sport, and organizational behavior.




    Organismic integration theory is one of the five "mini-theories" that are part of self-determination theory.  It provides a framework for describing forms of motivation from motivation to intrinsic motivation and how external forms of motivation move to become more internalized.  The other mini-theory is psychological needs theory.  The three psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness are essential human needs and move individuals towards greater internalization of motivations.     

    Organismic Integration Theory

     
    Amotivation

    Extrinsic Motivation (We still don't really enjoy the activity itself)

    		 Intrinsic Motivation
    Non-regulation External Regulation Introjected Regulation Identified Regulation Integrated Regulation Intrinsic Regulation
    Impersonal External Somewhat external Somewhat internal Internal Internal
    Inaction Involuntary obligation because we have to Voluntary action to take on behavior, but we don't think of it as our own.  It feels like an implicit obligation where we still do the behavior for someone or something else We do it for ourselves because we value the goal or find it somewhat important. Here the behavior has become part of who we are; it is part of our identity. There is a personal interest and inherent enjoyment or satisfaction.
    No action, or action with no expectation of a result; it is the "state of lacking the intention to act" (p. 72) Accompanied by feelings of being controlled, alienated, or willed to act. Compared to Skinner's Operant behavior (p. 72) By lesser degree the regulatory basis of action is still not owned, but now there is societal guilt or reputation to defend (p.72) "...reflects a conscious valuing of a behavioral goal or regulation... action is accepted or owned as personally important" (p. 72) Whilst the regulations or controls are still external, the values or needs are fully integrated. Action is still to gain external outcome (p. 73) Values and goals are one. People feel "competent and related, but also autonomous as they carry out culturally valued activities" (p. 74)

    Adapted from Ryan & Deci 2000, figure 1 and notes, pages 72-74

    How would you position your motivation for this Wikipedia project?

    Psychological Needs Theory

    Consider how you might increase one of the 3 nutrients for intrinsic motivation according to Deci and Ryan?

    1. Autonomy- sense of freedom and control over their world
    2. Competence- sense that they are skilled and capable
    3. Relatedness- sense of meaning and purpose

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