Self-Determination Theory posits three basic psychological needs. Which set lists these needs?

Self-Determination Theory posits three basic psychological needs. Which set lists these needs?

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

Answer: (D)

Self-Determination Theory identifies three basic psychological needs that drive intrinsic motivation and well-being: autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Autonomy is feeling volitional and having a sense of choice in what you do. Competence is feeling effective, capable, and skilled in your activities. Relatedness is feeling connected to others, cared for, and part of a community. When these needs are satisfied, people engage more fully and persist longer; when they’re thwarted, motivation and well-being tend to suffer. The terminology used by the theory is autonomy, competence, and relatedness, so the set that lists these three is the one that matches the theory precisely. Terms like “mastery” or “community” describe related ideas but are not the SDT labels for the three basic needs.

Self-Determination Theory identifies three basic psychological needs that drive intrinsic motivation and well-being: autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Autonomy is feeling volitional and having a sense of choice in what you do. Competence is feeling effective, capable, and skilled in your activities. Relatedness is feeling connected to others, cared for, and part of a community. When these needs are satisfied, people engage more fully and persist longer; when they’re thwarted, motivation and well-being tend to suffer. The terminology used by the theory is autonomy, competence, and relatedness, so the set that lists these three is the one that matches the theory precisely. Terms like “mastery” or “community” describe related ideas but are not the SDT labels for the three basic needs.