Self-determination theory (SDT)

Question 1

Reductionist view

Answer 1

reduce complex things through the interaction of their component parts. Psychology can be reduced to biology to chemistry to physics

Question 2

Mechanistic view

Answer 2

assumes that humans are nothing but machines and human behavior can be explained using material and efficient causes. Internal phenomena do not explain behavior. Human behavior is a product of environmental stimuli.

Question 3

Organismic view

Answer 3

living things differ from non-living things so reductionism does not make sense. They have tendencies to assimilation and accommodation of new material.

Question 4

What is SDT?

Answer 4

it is an empirically based approach to human motivation, emotion, and personality in social contexts. Takes interest in healthy functioning which includes autonomy, competency, and relatedness

Question 5

Sources of energy in SDT

Answer 5

• Physiological drives
• Psychological needs
• Emotions

Question 6

Active vs passive behavior in SDT

Answer 6

humans are active organisms who want interconnection and integrate ongoing experiences. We still however are vulnerable to passivity and control by others in certain unproductive environments.

Question 7

Directions of motivated behavior

Answer 7

at times we stand behind our behavior but other times we feel controlled by others

Question 8

Integration of SDT at three levels

Answer 8

 Within we move toward integration among different aspects of the psyche
 Without we move toward integration between the self and the external self
 With others we move integration between the self and the interpersonal world around us

Question 9

Cognitive Evaluation Theory (CET)

Answer 9

How events facilitate or undermine intrinsic motivation
IM:
 Inherent satisfaction, no separable outcomes
 Occurs spontaneous
 Phenomenologically it is inherently satisfying, attributionally it has an internal locus of causality, affective perspectives means is accompanied by interest
 Necessary for healthy development and learning

Question 10

Deci’s experiment

Answer 10

deCharms hypothesis – if you take a person with intrinsic motivation and you contingently reinforce that behavior, then the reinforcement of that motivation changes from internal to external

Question 11

Organismic Integration Theory (OIT)

Answer 11

Relative autonomy of extrinsic motivation
What conditions facilitate internalization of extrinsic motivation
* Autonomous versus controlled motivation

Question 12

Causality orientations theory

Answer 12

Individual differences in general motivational styles
* Autonomous
* Own needs as initiator of behavior
* Interpretation as informational
* Regulate behavior with experience of autonomy
* Controlled
* External cues/demands as initiator of behavior
* Interpretation as controlling
* Regulate behavior with experience of control
* Impersonal
* Interpretation as incompetence
* Experience amotivation and passivity

Question 13

Basic Psychological Needs Theory (BPNT)

Answer 13

o Relation of psychological needs to wellness
o Universality of needs
* Autonomy (versus heteronomy)
* Competence (versus incompetence)
* Relatedness (versus disconnection)

Question 14

Goal Content Theory (GCT)

Answer 14

The development and correlates of life goals (or aspirations)
Extrinsic Aspirations:
Financial Success
Social recognition
Attractive appearance
Intrinsic aspirations:
meaningful relationships
community contributions
personal growth
physical health