Introduction
Within the context of performance Self-Determination Theory focuses on performance based on a person’s ability to make decisions effecting one’s self (Deci, & Ryan, 2000). The theory lays out the need for three main psychological factors or basic psychological needs every works has which contribute to a person’s motivation. These factors are; autonomy, competence and relatedness (Deci, & Ryan, 2000; Ryan, & Deci, 2017). Self-Determination Theory is the cornerstone of research related to intrinsic motivation (Deci, Koestner, & Ryan, 2001) or in other worlds motivation caused by internal factors as opposed to motivated caused by external factors. Self-Determination Theory promotes the concept if a person in control of their own destiny or better seen as success the person is motivated and more likely to have a higher level of performance compared to a person who is motivated by external factors and/or does not have control of one’s own success. As the name entails, as a person is responsible for determining one’s self a person’s internal motivation will increase.
Levels of Motivation
According to Deci and Ryan’s (2000) work Self-Determination Theory assumes a person’s best performance is directly connected and motivated by intrinsic factors. As such, there are three main motivational levels within the measurement system of Deci and Ryan’s works. These three main levels of motivation are from least to greatest of motivation; A motivated, Extrinsically Motivated, Intrinsically Motivated (SDT, 2018). The first A motivated can be described as a level of being non-motivated and/or incompetent (Deci, & Ryan, 2000; SDT, 2018). The second, extrinsically motivated provides a level of motivation based upon external factors such as money and rewards (Deci, & Ryan, 2000; SDT, 2018). Within this level there are four sublevels ranging from completely external to somewhat external factors leading to motivation. For example, if someone dislikes their job and only goes to work each day to make money the person is completely externally motivated. Therefore, less motivated than someone who is motivated by money but also internally values or enjoys one’s job because of the affect their work has on bettering the world or other positive result. The last and considered the most motivated to perform is intrinsically motivated (Deci, & Ryan, 2000; SDT, 2018). This is a state of motivation where a person is motivated by internal factors causing the person to put their entire attention into their world. Deci and Ryan considered internal motivational factors to be the more powerful and most likely to cause a person to perform at their best (Deci, & Flaste, 1995).
Need Factors of Self-Determination
Self-Determination Theory considers three factors which lead to a person’s utilization of intrinsic motivational factors therefore leading to a person’s higher level of performance (Deci, Koestner, & Ryan, 2001). These three factors cause a person to feel empowered and capable of overcoming the challenge at hand. These three factors are autonomy, competence and relatedness (Deci, & Ryan, 2000).
Autonomy is the basic psychological need for a person to feel in control of one’s self able to make decisions affecting one’s own experiences (Sarı, 2015). The appearance of choice provides a feeling of autonomy which is possibly the strongest factor contributing to motivation through intrinsic factors as seen through Self-Determination Theory (Ng, 2018). From the perspective of an instructor, employer or coach there might not be a decision for a person to make but the appearance of a decision can enhance a person’s feeling of autonomy thereby improving internal motivation.
Competence is the act of being capable but in the case of Self-Determination Theory competence is considered the need to feel competent through one’s true abilities and through one’s supervisor or coach reinforcing the person is competent. As a person feels effective, the person achieves this factor of Self-Determination Theory (Sarı, 2015). However, a person loses competence or the ability to believe in one’s own competence if a supervisor or coach questions a person’s abilities or is not supportive even though the person might be capable the person’s perception of one’s own abilities is eroded affecting the person’s motivation (Spence, & Oades, 2011).
Relatedness is a person’s feeling of connection to others such as teammates, coworkers or friends (Spence, & Oades, 2011). At every person’s psychological core there is a basic need to belong. Relatedness is the understanding of belonging utilized by Deci and Ryan (2000). Deci also suggested relatedness is the least of the three factors, at times not as significant as autonomy and competence stating a person’s personality plays into the level or relatedness needed by a person (Deci, & Flaste, 1995).
The main issue lacking in relation to Self-Determination Theory and the three psychological needs to be achieved is the lack of research related to basic human needs required prior to autonomy, competence and relatedness. For example, if a person does not have a home to live in, cannot afford food to eat and does not know if oneself will survive until tomorrow the application of Self-Determination Theory is thwarted by the basic human extrinsic need to survive. Moving away from the extreme there is a lack of research of at what point are a person’s basic extrinsic needs met in order for extrinsic needs not to be a factor detracting from intrinsic motivators. For example, in today’s world does a person have a basic need to be able to afford rent, a vehicle to get to work, cloths and a cellphone? As life has become increasingly materialistic over time is Deci and Ryan’s (2000) work outdated with each person requiring to be able to afford a new smartphone prior to Self-Determination Theory and its three factors being unhindered? The studies of Self-Determination Theory now leads to the need for research to determine at what point a person’s basic extrinsic needs are met and Self-Determination Theory becomes effective.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Self-Determination
Theory brings understanding to the basic psychological needs of a person in
order to be motivated and to perform at the person’s best. With the
understanding intrinsic factors far outweigh extrinsic factors as a source for
motivation, Deci and Ryan (2000) layout the need for three main items to
achieve the perception and application of self-determination. The basic needs
of a person to perform are to perceive a sense of autonomy, competence and at times
with a lesser need than the first two, relatedness. If a person, has these
three items the person is more likely to be able to feel in control and be motivated
through intrinsic factors. Lastly, there is a need for continued research to understand
at what point a person’s basic extrinsic (physical) needs are met allowing the
person to be motivated by intrinsic factors and the work of Self-Determination
Theory to be fully applicable.
References
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Deci, E. L., Koestner, R., & Ryan, R. M. (2001). Extrinsic Rewards and Intrinsic Motivation in Education: Reconsidered Once Again. Review of Educational Research 71(1) 1-27. doi: 10.3102/00346543071001001.
Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2000). The “What” and “Why” of Goal Pursuits: Human Needs and the Self-determination of Behavior. Psychological Inquiry, 11(4), 227268.
GCU. (ND). Self-Determination and Self-Efficacy [online]. Retrieved from https://lc-grad3.gcu.edu/learningPlatform/loudBooks/loudbooks.html?operation=innerPage&topicMaterialId=da73b961-e3ff-499d-9a35-9287742cdaee&contentId=536765f6-33a0-4667-b26c-659f10624a0d&viewPage=current¤tTopicname=Self-Determination%20and%20Self-Efficacy.
Ng, B. (2018). The Neuroscience of Growth Mindset and Intrinsic Motivation. Brain Sciences (2076-3425), 8(2), 1-N.PAG. doi:10.3390/brainsci8020020.
Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2017). Self-Determination Theory: Basic psychological needs in motivation, development, and wellness. Guilford Publications.
Ryan, R. M., & La Guardia, J. G. (2000). What is Being Optimized?: Self-Determination Theory and Basic Psychological Needs. In S. H. Qualls, N. Abeles, S. H. Qualls, N. Abeles (Eds.), Psychology and the aging revolution: How we adapt to longer life (pp. 145-172). Washington, DC, US: American Psychological Association. doi:10.1037/10363-008
Sarı, İ. (2015). Satisfaction of Basic Psychological Needs and Goal Orientation in Young Athletes: A Test of Basic Psychological Needs Theory. Kinesiology, 47(2), 159-168.
SDT. (2018). [Graph illustration The Self-Determination Continuum July 11, 2018]. Self-Determination Theory. Retrieved from http://selfdeterminationtheory.org/
Spence, G. B., & Oades, L. G. (2011). Coaching with self-determination in mind: Using theory to advance evidence-based coaching practice. International Journal of Evidence Based Coaching & Mentoring, 9(2), 37-55.