In Self-Determination Theory, which option lists the three basic psychological needs identified by the theory?

In Self-Determination Theory, which option lists the three basic psychological needs identified by the theory?

• A. Autonomy, Competence, Relatedness
• B. Autonomy, Competence, Connectedness
• C. Relatedness, Autonomy, Competence
• D. Autonomy, Mastery, Relatedness

Answer: (A)

Self-Determination Theory identifies three basic psychological needs that support intrinsic motivation and well-being: autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Autonomy is the sense of volition and choosing actions freely. Competence is feeling effective and capable in what you do. Relatedness is feeling connected to others and cared for. The best answer lists these three needs exactly as defined by the theory, in any order; the canonical trio is Autonomy, Competence, Relatedness, which matches standard SDT terminology. One option uses Connectedness instead of Relatedness, which captures a similar idea but uses nonofficial wording. Another option substitutes Mastery for Competence, which is not SDT terminology. An alternative listing that has the same three needs in a different order is correct in content because the order does not change the meaning.

Self-Determination Theory identifies three basic psychological needs that support intrinsic motivation and well-being: autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Autonomy is the sense of volition and choosing actions freely. Competence is feeling effective and capable in what you do. Relatedness is feeling connected to others and cared for. The best answer lists these three needs exactly as defined by the theory, in any order; the canonical trio is Autonomy, Competence, Relatedness, which matches standard SDT terminology. One option uses Connectedness instead of Relatedness, which captures a similar idea but uses nonofficial wording. Another option substitutes Mastery for Competence, which is not SDT terminology. An alternative listing that has the same three needs in a different order is correct in content because the order does not change the meaning.