Educational Psychology / Unit 7 EDP 0635 worked example, 60 to 90 seconds
The Continuum of Regulation
The idea
Self-determination theory places motivation on a continuum, not in two boxes. At one end is amotivation, no intention to act. Then come four kinds of extrinsic regulation, each more internal than the last. External regulation acts to get a reward or avoid punishment. Introjected regulation acts to avoid guilt or win approval. Identified regulation acts because the person values the outcome. Integrated regulation acts because that value has become part of the self. At the far end is intrinsic motivation, acting for the activity's own sake.
In practice
Worked example: a student practices piano. "My parents make me" is external. "I'd feel guilty if I skipped" is introjected. "Practice will get me into the band" is identified. "Music is part of who I am" is integrated. "I love playing" is intrinsic.
Where people slip
Identified and integrated regulation are still extrinsic, because the goal lies outside the activity itself, yet they feel self-chosen. Placing a motive means asking why the student acts, not what the student does, since all five pianists practice the same scales.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
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