Where it is used
Each entry identifies the volume, edition, chapter or appendix in which the work appears.
The evidence behind the series
Follow the research.
Explore every source.
Browse the scientific research and professional literature used across all seven volumes of The Science of Learning for Educators.
7book volumes
8author ranges
1searchable library
Search the collection
Find a paper, author or idea.
Choose an author range, search a title or concept, or narrow the collection by source type. Open any result to see where it appears in the books, read its evidence summary and follow available source links.
2 references
-
- Vol 2 RE: App D
self-determination theoryautonomycompetencerelatednessmotivation internalizationintrinsic motivationautonomy supportpsychological needsBook Evidence summaryAt a glance
Ryan and Deci present self-determination theory as a broad account of motivation, personality development, and wellness organized through six related mini-theories. Its central claim is that people function and develop more fully when social conditions support three basic psychological needs: autonomy, the experience of acting with volition; competence, effectiveness in valued activity; and relatedness, mutual care and belonging.
Key ideas
Motivation varies in quality, not only quantity. External regulation can be internalized through introjected, identified, and integrated forms, while autonomy support promotes more durable engagement than control. The theory also distinguishes intrinsic motivation, goal contents, causality orientations, relationship processes, and vitality. Evidence spans education, work, health, sport, psychotherapy, digital environments, and culture.
Why it matters
Need support does not mean permissiveness or independence from others; structure, meaningful rationales, acknowledgement of feelings, and choice can coexist. The framework helps educators evaluate whether practices foster agency and competence or produce compliance by pressure.
View or buy the cited work >>Read a similar article free online >>
-
- Vol 4 RE: Chapters 5, 6, 12, 13, 16, 18, 21, 22, 26, App A, App C
- Vol 7 RE: Chapters 5, 7, App B, App D
intrinsic motivationextrinsic motivationself-determination theorymotivation internalizationautonomy supportneed satisfactioncontrolling rewardslearner agencyJournal article Evidence summaryAt a glance
Ryan and Deci clarify intrinsic and extrinsic motivation through self-determination theory. Intrinsic motivation concerns doing an activity for its inherent interest or enjoyment.
Key ideas
Extrinsic motivation concerns instrumental reasons, but it is not uniformly controlling: regulation ranges from external pressure and internal compulsion through personally endorsed identification and integration. The quality of motivation therefore matters alongside its quantity. Environments that support the basic psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness foster intrinsic motivation, internalisation, persistence, learning, performance, and well-being; controlling rewards, threats, meaningless demands, or thwarted needs can produce more fragile engagement. Rewards do not have a single inevitable effect—their informational or controlling meaning, contingency, and context matter. The review connects definitions, theory, empirical findings, educational practice, cultural considerations, and research directions.
Why it matters
For educators, useful design combines optimal challenge, clear structure and feedback, meaningful rationales, acknowledgement of feelings, opportunities for agency, and caring relationships. Not every school activity will become intrinsically enjoyable, but learners can still understand its value and engage with a greater sense of ownership.
A transparent research trail
More than a bibliography.
What it contributes
Evidence summaries explain the central idea and why the source matters to educators.
How to access it
Entries link to lawful full text where available, or to a publisher, library or purchase page.
Edition abbreviations
- TE
- Teacher Edition
- PE
- Practice Edition
- RE
- Research Edition
Citation checks
References are checked against publisher records, scholarly indexes, DOI or ISBN metadata, repositories and author records where available. An entry marked [Citation not verified] preserves the wording found in the relevant volume without attributing findings to an unconfirmed work.
From sources to a coherent pathway