self-determination theory
Summary
Self-determination theory (Deci and Ryan) says motivation and well-being depend on three innate psychological needs: autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Settings that support them tend to foster intrinsic motivation, while controlling rewards or pressure can undermine it.
Detail
Meaning: Self-determination theory, from Deci and Ryan, explains motivation through three innate psychological needs: autonomy (feeling in control of one's actions), competence (feeling effective), and relatedness (feeling connected to others). When a setting supports these needs, people tend toward intrinsic motivation, doing something for its own sake. Controlling settings push motivation toward extrinsic, reward- or pressure-driven behavior.
On the MCAT: Passages describe students, workers, or patients given choices, rewards, or feedback, and ask which condition raises or lowers intrinsic motivation. Offering choice supports autonomy; skill-based feedback supports competence; group belonging supports relatedness. Expected tangible rewards for a task a person already enjoys can lower interest in it, the overjustification effect.
Common confusion: The theory does not claim every reward undermines motivation. The effect depends on whether the reward feels controlling or instead informs the person about their competence. It is also not Maslow's hierarchy: the three needs are psychological and are not ranked in levels, and they differ from the biological drives of drive reduction theory.
Sources
- Psychology (Myers)
- Psychology (Schacter, Gilbert, Wegner)
Written for the MCAT and checked before it was published. For study reference only. Spotted an error? Let us know.