Self-Determination Theory & Flow Expanding Organismic Integration Theory in Terms of Intrinsic Motivation

Author

Sarah Hufford

Date of Award

2005

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelors

Department

Social Sciences

First Advisor

Harley, Heidi

Keywords

Intrinsic Motivation, Flow, Self-Determination

Area of Concentration

Psychology

Abstract

Deci and Ryan's self-determination theory (SDT) and Csikzentmihalyi's flow theory both include parallel concepts of task engagement and intrinsic motivation. The present study sought to enhance the existing motivation model to include the upper end of the spectrum--the 'flow' experience. To this end, the social-contextual factors framing a task were manipulated between subjects in order to explore these factors' effects on intrinsic motivation and flow and to attempt to measure flow behaviorally. Sixty undergraduates (30 men, 30 women) participated in a collage-making task in which they were divided into one of three motivational conditions: 1) intrinsic: internal locus of causality with a non-controlling interpersonal context and a task non-contingent reward; 2) extrinsic: external locus of causality with a controlling interpersonal context and a task completioncontingent reward; 3) extrinsic/competition: external locus of causality with a controlling interpersonal context and a task performance-contingent reward. The results led to the conclusion that an expanded selfdetermination continuum model would better represent the range of motivational states.

Rights

This bibliographic record is available under the Creative Commons CC0 public domain dedication. The New College of Florida, as creator of this bibliographic record, has waived all rights to it worldwide under copyright law, including all related and neighboring rights, to the extent allowed by law.

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