People are centrally concerned with motivation — how to move themselves or others to act. They are often moved by external factors such as reward systems, grades, evaluations, or the opinions they fear others might have of them. Yet just as frequently, people are motivated from within, by interests, curiosity, care or abiding values. These intrinsic motivations are not necessarily externally rewarded or supported, but nonetheless they can sustain passions, creativity, and sustained efforts. The interplay between the extrinsic forces acting on persons and the intrinsic motives and needs inherent in human nature is the territory of Self-Determination Theory. Self-Determination Theory (SDT) focuses on the importance of intrinsic motivation in driving human behavior. Many studies have shown the correlation between these factors and engagement and being predictive of sustained engagement. It is centered on 3 primary basic needs exhibited by the individual. Conditions supporting the individual’s experience of autonomy, competence, and relatedness are argued to foster the most volitional and high quality forms of motivation and engagement for activities, including enhanced performance, persistence, and creativity.
Competence – The need to control the outcome and experience mastery.
Relatedness – The desire to interact, connect with, and care for others.
Autonomy – Wanting to have control of one’s life and its direction.