Self-determination theory

SDT is a overarching theory on motivation developed by Edward Deci and Richard Ryan and scholars around the world from very different sub-disciplines of psychology. It "articulates a meta-theory for framing motivational studies, a formal theory that defines intrinsic and varied extrinsic sources of motivation, and a description of the respective roles of intrinsic and types of extrinsic motivation in cognitive and social development and in individual differences."

It comprises 6 mini-theories: Cognitive Evaluation Theory, Organismic Integration Theory, Causality Orientations Theory, Basic Psychological Needs Theory, Goal Contents Theory and Relationships Motivation Theory.

The Theory
(Describe the theory)

Main theoretical references

 * (Give the main publications that describe the theory, use APA style)

Main examples

 * (Give the publications that show empirical research using the theory, use APA style)

Insights for realist evaluations
(Describe which mechanisms are being discussed by the theory, which context elements are relevant, which CMOCs can be created based on this theory, etc.)

Examples in realist evaluation
Research/evaluation project

(Realist research or evaluation project that has used this theory)


 * Name of the project; the evaluator(s); the funder; timing; link to a relevant website.

Academic publications


 * (Give the reference of realist evaluations that have used this theory, use APA style)

Grey Literature
 * (Give the reference of realist evaluations from the grey literature that have used this theory, use APA style)