Self-determination theory contains six interconnected mini-theories: cognitive evaluation theory, organismic integration theory, causality orientations theory, basic psychological needs theory, goal contents theory, and relationships motivation theory. Together, they explain the quality, regulation, and social context of motivation.
The Six Mini-Theories
Self-determination theory (SDT) proposes that motivation is influenced by the satisfaction of three basic psychological needs: autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Each mini-theory examines a different part of this process.
| Mini-theory | Main explanation |
|---|---|
| Cognitive evaluation theory (CET) | Explains how social factors, such as feedback, rewards, and choice, affect intrinsic motivation by influencing perceived autonomy and competence. Controlling rewards may reduce intrinsic motivation. |
| Organismic integration theory (OIT) | Explains different forms of extrinsic motivation along a continuum of internalization: external, introjected, identified, and integrated regulation. Greater internalization produces more autonomous motivation. |
| Causality orientations theory (COT) | Describes individual differences in how people regulate behaviour. Orientations may be autonomous, controlled, or impersonal. |
| Basic psychological needs theory (BPNT) | Proposes that satisfying autonomy, competence, and relatedness supports motivation, performance, persistence, and well-being. Frustrating these needs produces less adaptive outcomes. |
| Goal contents theory (GCT) | Distinguishes intrinsic goals, such as health and personal growth, from extrinsic goals, such as status, appearance, and rewards. Intrinsic goals generally support greater need satisfaction. |
| Relationships motivation theory (RMT) | Explains how high-quality relationships satisfy relatedness while also supporting autonomy and competence. This can strengthen motivation in coach-athlete and peer relationships. |
A common misconception is that SDT only separates intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. In fact, OIT shows that extrinsic motivation varies in quality: an athlete who trains because fitness is personally important has more autonomous regulation than one who trains only to avoid punishment.
Exam Technique
For an HL response, identify the relevant mini-theory, define its mechanism, and apply it to a sporting example. Do not merely list all six. If asked to explain or discuss motivation, connect the athlete's social environment to autonomy, competence, relatedness, and the resulting quality of behavioural regulation.