Self-determination theory
The quality of motivation depends partly on support for autonomy, competence and relatedness.
Theory The classification describes how this account is used here; it is not an evidence rating.
Central claim
Motivation varies along a continuum from externally controlled compliance to autonomous self-regulation, sustained when social contexts support basic psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness.
Proposed mechanism
Autonomy means experienced volition, not social isolation. Competence concerns effectiveness and relatedness concerns connection. External goals can become personally endorsed through internalization rather than remaining purely controlled.
Evidence: (Spielman et al., 2020); (Ryan & Deci, 2000)
What would it predict?
A context that supports choice, useful feedback and belonging should often support more self-endorsed engagement than a controlling context. Tests must separate choice from resources and prior skill.
An original test formulation derived from the account, not a claim that this exact study was performed.
Evidence and status
Building on Deci and Ryan (1985), Ryan and Deci's 2000 theoretical review synthesizes research on social conditions supporting motivation. Opening theory passages support the three proposed needs; selected passages on pp. 73–74 inspected in independent source review support internalization and autonomy. The textbook provides related motivational context.
Evidence: (Spielman et al., 2020); (Ryan & Deci, 2000)
Major contributors
Edward Deci; Richard Ryan and collaborators
A selective attribution, not a complete intellectual genealogy or a sole-founder claim.
Apply the explanation
Original teaching scenario
A course explains the purpose of a task, offers meaningful choices and gives specific feedback, supporting engagement without treating every external requirement as harmful.
Constructed for learning. This scenario does not report an empirical result.
Common confusion: Complete independence or treating all extrinsic motives as identical
Autonomy in self-determination theory means acting with volition and endorsement rather than isolation from others, and external regulations can be internalized to varying degrees.
Evidence: (Spielman et al., 2020); (Ryan & Deci, 2000)
Limits and alternatives
- Need support is not a guarantee of success, and autonomy does not mean unlimited options. A review summarizes evidence but does not constitute one new randomized experiment or prove every application.
Evidence: (Spielman et al., 2020); (Ryan & Deci, 2000)
Textbook connection
Related contextPsychology 2e: 10.1 Motivation
Related biological or motivational context; this profile extends beyond the exact account in the section.
Related explanations
Sources and inspection notes
Checked October 21, 2026. An inspection date is not a publication date. Original experiments described by a textbook are not individually re-audited unless a separate primary source is listed.
- Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2000). Self-determination theory and the facilitation of intrinsic motivation, social development, and well-being. American Psychologist, 55(1), 68–78. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066x.55.1.68Consulted sourceAuthor-hosted primary theoretical review: opening theory passages inspected; selected passages pp. 73–74 inspected in independent source review
Supports the three proposed needs, self-endorsed motivation and internalization. The empirical studies summarized in the review were not individually audited.
- Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020). Psychology 2e. OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/10-1-motivationTextbook section inspected, October 21, 2026
Provides surrounding introductory concepts; the specific theory requires supplementary evidence.