Self-determination theory
The self-determination theory of motivation (English self-determination theory of motivation ) comes from Edward L. Deci and Richard M. Ryan.
Basics
It is a humanistic, general and organismic dialectical theory of human motivation (Deci & Ryan, 1985a ), which shows the valence -developed inner resources for personality development and behavioral self -regulation. The self-determination relates not only to the extent to which people are actually even free to decide on their actions, but also a kind of perceived decision freedom. The basis for the development of the theory of the adoption of three basic psychological needs and the innate tendency to satisfy them in order to achieve personal development and psychological well-being. The methods for meeting and the degree of satisfaction of basic psychological needs are determined by one's own competence, environmental claims, obstacles and requirements in the socio - cultural context. This influence is mediated by intrinsic motivation. The variations in the performance of each of the three needs are independent of each other in daily well-being. In recent decades, five subtheories have developed under the umbrella of self-determination theory, with which the findings can be explained from the research.
The five subtheories
Theory of basic psychological needs
For a hierarchy of basic human needs, as it was proposed in 1943 by Abraham Maslow in his model of the pyramid of needs, Deci and Ryan derive three innate, universal basic psychological needs for self-determination theory. Although these are universal, but they vary in their objectives and orientation in the different periods of development and in different cultures. The needs are also called growth needs and serve as a kind of engine for the constant pursuit of personal development and well-being. Accordingly, a final satisfaction of such needs is not possible as they occur repeatedly.
The three basic needs are: autonomy, competence and social embeddedness.
The pursuit of fulfillment of these needs is a prerequisite for the occurrence of intrinsic motivation in the context of this theory, and for health and personal well-being in general.
A special feature of SDT is their view of motivation. It is not the strength, but the quality and type of motivation is crucial. You made here between
The classical distinction between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation is abandoned in favor of the assumption of a continuum.
The organismic integration theory (English: Organismic Integration Theory) and the self-regulation of extrinsic motivation
Depending on the degree of self-determination of an action and the degree of perceived external control, in the OIT extrinsic motivation is divided into four forms. These are differentiated by the value of the required behavior for the person himself and after the contextual factor that promotes or hinders the internalization and integration of the regulation of this behavior.
1 ExternalEmailAddress behavior regulation
The external control of behavior is very strong, the cause of action lies outside the person, autonomy of the actor is hardly present, the behavior is perceived as controls. These are actions to obtain a reward or to avoid punishment.
2 introjected behavior regulation The external behavioral control is strong, the autonomy of the agent is low. That is, the external conditions are indeed internalized, but not fully acceptable. There is a feeling that is the cause of action outside of oneself, not controlled but is subject to an internal pressure. These actions are carried out in order to avoid guilt or shame.
3 Identified behavioral regulation
The external control of behavior is weak, the autonomy of the agent is clearly present. The external influences are considered as targets for action, classified as important personally and will consciously. These actions are associated with acceptance, ownership and compliance with the activity.
4 Integrated behavioral regulation
There are virtually no external behavioral control, autonomy is very high. Goals and values of the business are firmly anchored in the self-concept.
The difference between Integrated Regulation and Intrinsic motivation is due to the actual goal of the plot. While with the integrated behavior regulation even in complete internalization and self-determination of an instrumental aim is the goal in intrinsic motivation is autotelic, ie, the origin of the plot is the person himself and the activity is carried out only for its own sake. Intrinsic motivation has the highest percentage of autonomy and self-determination.
The cognitive evaluation theory
The Cognitive Evaluation Theory ( CET, Eng. Cognitive Evaluation Theory ) describes the effects of the social context on intrinsic motivation. According to the basic psychological needs of the existence and maintenance of intrinsic motivation, social and environmental factors are needed for that support the autonomy of the agent and strengthen the skills Experience. The competence should be perceived as a self-determined and experienced. The actions to be perceived as self- caused and not controlled as external. Also emphasizes the CET the importance of satisfaction for the needs of social embeddedness, which leads to an increase intrinsic motivation.
The theory of causal orientation
The theory of causal orientation (English Causality Orientations Theory ) states that there are fundamental inter-individual differences in the tendency to self-determined action. This general motivation orientation of a person, for example, be determined on the basis of two factors on the basis of the English " General Causality Orientations Scale ( GCOS ) ". The factors are: autonomy orientation, control orientation (Deci & Ryan, 1985b ).
The objective satisfaction theory
The objective satisfaction theory (English goal content theory ) states that the intrinsic goals can increase motivation and well-being durable and lasting.
Key findings
From the self-determination theory, specific instructions can be derived that lead beyond the satisfaction of basic psychological needs to a higher intrinsic motivation. It has been shown in studies that behavioral adaptations, such as threats, imposed targets, deadlines or directness, but also rewards have a negative impact on well-being, health and integrity, while positive feedback, opportunity for self-development and recognition of emotions and their expression, examples of positive impact are.
For example, the social environment in the workplace contribute to a higher performance and well -being by promoting autonomy and competence Experience of employees ( Gagne & Deci, 2005). Likewise, the theory is applicable to the educational context. Several studies have shown that self-directed learning has a positive effect on intrinsic motivation to learn. This in turn leads to a better quality learning outcomes ( eg, Grolnick & Ryan, 1987; Grolnick, Ryan & Deci, 1991).
Furthermore, it was shown that confirmation and the achievement of some goals in life provides a relatively direct satisfaction of basic needs, which increases the well-being, self-esteem and self-actualization increases, the anxiety and depression, however, counteracts. ( Kasser, T., Ryan, R. M., 1993, 1996 )
In recent decades, the self-determination theory has been applied to a variety of other application fields. A detailed overview of past and current research areas can be found on the official English-language website for the self-determination theory.
The Korrumpierungseffekt
The Korrumpierungseffekt states that reward affects intrinsic motivation or even completely brings to disappear. For the first time, Deci (1971 ) could show this effect by administering a material reward. Likewise, threats of punishment, reviews and deadlines impacted in other studies negative effect on intrinsic motivation.
The cause of this effect can be seen from the perspective of cognitive evaluation theory in all cases is that the limited autonomy and control of the external behavior is increased. The negative effect of reward should not occur, however, if the reward is given regardless of a specific power, the reward is unexpected, or the social environment continues to actively support autonomy and competence.
Criticism
The assumption of only three basic psychological needs is sometimes criticized as insufficient. So, for example, argues Kasser for a fourth need for security, how it is to be found in Maslow (see pyramid of needs in the section Basic Psychological Needs ).
Self-determination theory of values ( by Tim Kasser ) (revision recommended relevance at this point controversial ) The self-determination theory of values is not a theory but an approach from the Anglo-American world, which is empirically grounded in the theory of motivation. Starting from the assumption that values undergo certain behaviors and experiences by themselves, as they will influence the assessment of the desirability of objects and situations, values help the self to develop further and to satisfy his needs. Values express words of needs and support the self in the selection of experiences that are beneficial and desirable for it.
The value systems of individuals work in close connection with their psychological needs. Comprising three central innate psychological needs, which are relevant for intrinsic and extrinsic motivation,
Values can be considered intrinsic when they contribute to the growth of the self and the need for autonomy and human proximity. Extrinsic motivation on the other hand derives often from out of compulsion, control and pressure. Examples of extrinsic values would be primarily financial success, wealth and fame (ie rewards from the outside) to call.
Individuals of all cultures have the same psychological needs and strive for personal development and integration. Intrinsic values help personal growth and integration, and the people in general are more important than extrinsic values . Secular life conditions can undermine and weaken intrinsically motivated activities. When the life-world conditions do not support the psychological need satisfaction, it has to focus on extrinsic values result -oriented. Extrinsic values are used in this case as a compensation strategy.
Optimal development and well-being done according to the self-determination theory with intrinsic motivation. Extrinsic values, however, indicate alienation of development processes of the true self. So intrinsically oriented people experience greater well -being. The cross-cultural research supports the notion that the results of the self-determination theory are universal and not culture - specific.
In the self-determination theory, the processes of goal setting and goal pursuit comes at the level of abstract life goals, which are also called aspirations of central importance. Often the so-called Aspirationsindex is used to collect general life goals of individuals. The Aspirationsindex is developed on the basis of self-determination theory questionnaire, the general life goals with the help of seven subscales ( Personal growth, relationships, society, health, wealth, fame, attractiveness) attempts to capture.