Self-determination theory: three basic psychological needs underpin intrinsic motivation¶

Theory · All theories
Evidence · 2 claims (2 for) · 4 studies (2 review, 1 quant-synthesis, 1 theoretical), q1–q4 · 1 of 4 report an effect size · 1 claim rests on one study

Description¶

The article presents self-determination theory as an explanatory framework in which intrinsic motivation, the drive to engage in activity for its own sake, is sustained by satisfying three basic psychological needs. As the authors state, intrinsic motivation "is maintained by satisfaction of three basic psychological needs: the need for autonomy, the need for competence, and the need for relatedness". Autonomy means perceiving behavior as volitional, competence means feeling capable when challenged, and relatedness means developing emotional regard for others. The paper applies this framework to higher education retention, arguing classrooms and campuses should support all three needs.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• Educational contexts must support satisfaction of all three needs for intrinsic motivation to arise; the authors propose all three be satisfied within each classroom and across the campus

Constraints¶

• Much of the supporting SDT education research cited was conducted in secondary education settings, which the authors argue may be readily applicable to higher education

Target Learners¶

• college students
• students on academic probation or suspension
• first-year students

Target Learning Objectives¶

• student retention and persistence
• intrinsic motivation for academic work
• academic performance

Claims¶

• Retention programs interpreted as meeting all three SDT needs show higher persistence and standing [+W]
• Self-determination theory holds that autonomy support raises intrinsic motivation, and a meta-analysis finds expected tangible rewards undermine it [+M]

Related Theories¶

• Self-determination theory: a motivation and personality theory built on three basic psychological needs
• Self-Determination Theory

Examples¶

• Retention initiatives should satisfy all three basic psychological needs across the whole campus environment
• Implement GenAI in higher education in ways that support autonomy, competence, relatedness, and value to sustain motivation and engagement

Key Sources¶

• Zak-Moskal, A. D., & Garrison, M. J. (2020). Can Self-determination Theory be Used to Increase College Student Retention?. The New York Journal of Student Affairs, 20(1). https://commons.library.stonybrook.edu/nyjsa/vol20/iss1/4