Three-facet MTMM (content × valence × time) supports the SDT 3×2 architecture, with content the stronger separative force and 20 of 21 planned comparisons supported¶

Claim · All claims
Evidence · 1 study · associational r3 · q3
Currency · newest study 2025 · not yet checked against its sources · not reviewed by a person

Subclaims¶

q3 i? Across 21 a priori planned APC comparisons in the three-facet MTMM, 20 theory-consistent differences were supported. → Marsh 2025 q3 i? Content distinctions were the stronger separative force: the content-only minus valence-only difference was .200 (SE = .017), with both facets showing convergent and discriminant validity. → Marsh 2025

Evidence¶

Marsh 2025¶

Marsh, H. W., Ryan, R. M., Dicke, T., Pekrun, R., Guo, J., Bradshaw, E. L., Reeve, J., Lüdtke, O., Clarke, T., & Waterschoot, J. (2025). Basic Psychological Needs Under Constrained Autonomy: A Substantive–Methodological Reflection and Analysis of School Leaders' Needs from a Self-Determination Theory Perspective. Educational Psychology Review. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10648-025-10079-3

q3 · i? · associational · r3

Three-facet MTMM recoding of the same latent matrix from 1,950 Australian school leaders, crossing content and valence as trait facets with time as method. The article reports the convergent benchmark at mean r = .704 and "20 of 21 theory-consistent differences were supported in APC tests".

"Across the full set, 20 of 21 theory-consistent differences were supported in APC tests (Table 2). Together, the three-facet results (a) establish strong cross-time replication when content and valence both match, (b) demonstrate discriminant validity for both content and valence, with content exerting the stronger separative force"

Discussion¶

Related Claims¶

• Bivariate SDT-based predictions about BPNSFS correlates were largely upheld: valence predictions correct for 95.2% and content predictions for 91.4% of scored cases — related
• The BPNSFS 3×2 six-facet structure (three needs × satisfaction/frustration) fits Australian school-leader data excellently and better than models collapsing valence — a narrower finding that bears on this claim
• Classic two-facet MTMM analysis supports convergent and discriminant validity of the six BPNSFS facets across time — related
• Autonomy shows a strong content signal: 53 of 64 outcomes satisfy the a priori autonomy rule, with exceptions for self-efficacy (competence) and collegial support (relatedness) — related
• Competence and relatedness show distinct content pathways: competence with capability indicators (self-efficacy, progress, resilience) and relatedness with interpersonal-climate indicators (collegial support, trust, social capital) — a narrower finding that bears on this claim
• In EERs, autonomy, competence, and relatedness are each supported by specific design features per self-determination theory — related
• HET's three principles conceptually align with SDT's autonomy support, structure, and involvement — related