Self-Determination Theory: Motivation and Learning

Question 1

Within Self-Determination Theory, which element does NOT contribute to intrinsic motivation?

Accepted Answer

External Regulation

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Relatedness

Question 2

Self-Determination Theory identifies three basic needs that drive motivation. Which of these is one of them?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

External rewards

Answer

Social approval

Question 3

According to Self-Determination Theory, what factors contribute to strong motivation?

Accepted Answer

Competence, autonomy, and relatedness

Answer

External rewards and punishments only

Answer

Innate, unchangeable traits

Question 4

Which of the following is NOT a principle of Self-Determination Theory?

Accepted Answer

External Rewards

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Competence

Answer

Relatedness

Question 5

Which of the following is a fundamental pillar of Self-Determination Theory?

Accepted Answer

Competence

Answer

Compliance

Answer

External rewards

Answer

Social comparison

Question 6

According to Self-Determination Theory, which element is not vital in fostering motivation?

Accepted Answer

Competition

Answer

Competence

Answer

Relatedness

Answer

Autonomy

Question 7

Which of the following instructional strategies can educators employ to foster autonomy in the classroom?

Accepted Answer

Offering students choices in their learning activities

Answer

Prioritizing academic outcomes over student well-being

Answer

Mandating strict deadlines and punitive measures

Question 8

How does relatedness contribute to motivation, as posited by Self-Determination Theory?

Accepted Answer

It fosters a sense of belonging and connection.

Answer

It provides students with a sense of overarching purpose.

Answer

It mitigates anxiety and stress.

Answer

It boosts self-esteem.

Question 9

Which of the following characteristics does NOT define self-determined motivation?

Accepted Answer

Extrinsically driven

Answer

Autonomous

Answer

Intrinsic

Answer

Sustainable

Question 10

How does Self-Determination Theory explain the impact of punishment on motivation?

Accepted Answer

Punishment can undermine intrinsic motivation by creating a sense of inadequacy.

Answer

Punishment is always an effective motivational strategy.

Answer

Punishment can increase motivation by generating fear.

Question 11

Within the framework of Self-Determination Theory, which type of feedback is most conducive to fostering motivation?

Accepted Answer

Informative and growth-oriented feedback

Answer

Praise without specific examples

Answer

Evaluative and comparative feedback

Answer

Punitive and aversive feedback

Question 12

How can educators leverage Self-Determination Theory to address the diverse learning needs of students?

Accepted Answer

Creating flexible learning environments with differentiated activities.

Answer

Focusing solely on standardized assessments for all students.

Answer

Imposing stringent rules and expectations on all students.

Question 13

Which research approach would be most appropriate for investigating the efficacy of interventions based on Self-Determination Theory?

Accepted Answer

Experimental design with control groups

Answer

Meta-analysis of existing studies

Answer

Survey with self-reported data

Answer

Case study with a single participant

Question 14

According to Self-Determination Theory, what conditions foster intrinsic motivation?

Accepted Answer

Feeling competent, autonomous, and related to others.

Answer

Being closely supervised.

Answer

Receiving extrinsic rewards.

Answer

Experiencing negative consequences for mistakes.

Question 15

Which teaching approach aligns with the principles of Self-Determination Theory?

Accepted Answer

Providing students with choices and encouraging their autonomy.

Answer

Imposing strict behavioral controls.

Answer

Punishing students for mistakes.

Answer

Offering excessive rewards for compliance.

Question 16

What does the psychological need for competence involve?

Accepted Answer

The desire to feel capable and effective.

Answer

The need to avoid challenges and mistakes.

Answer

The need for strong social connections.

Answer

The need for social recognition and admiration.

Question 17

What are the benefits of fostering autonomy in students?

Accepted Answer

Enhanced motivation and self-regulation.

Answer

Reduced sense of responsibility.

Answer

Lower creativity and innovation.

Answer

Increased dependence on authority figures.

Question 18

What is the essence of relatedness in Self-Determination Theory?

Accepted Answer

Feeling connected and valued by others.

Answer

Pursuing individual goals without considering others.

Answer

Avoiding social interactions.

Answer

Competing with others for status.

Question 19

What is a limitation of Self-Determination Theory?

Accepted Answer

It does not fully account for the influence of external factors on motivation.

Answer

It applies only to Western cultures.

Answer

It is difficult to apply in practical settings.

Question 20

In a classroom aligned with Self-Determination Theory, what is the teacher's role?

Accepted Answer

Providing choices, fostering autonomy, and supporting students' needs.

Answer

Focusing on extrinsic rewards and punishments.

Answer

Controlling student behavior and decision-making.

Question 21

Which goal demonstrates autonomous motivation?

Accepted Answer

Studying because it aligns with personal interests.

Answer

Studying to avoid failing.

Answer

Studying only because the teacher requires it.

Question 22

To encourage students to take ownership of their learning, a teacher wants to apply the principle of autonomy from Self-Determination Theory. Which strategy best aligns with this principle?

Accepted Answer

Offering students choices in project topics and learning activities.

Answer

Providing clear instructions and expectations for each assignment.

Answer

Using rewards and extrinsic motivators to encourage participation.

Question 23

A student is struggling with a challenging math concept. The teacher provides individualized support and breaks down the concept into smaller, manageable steps. This approach primarily addresses which principle of Self-Determination Theory?

Accepted Answer

Competence

Answer

Intrinsic Motivation

Answer

Relatedness

Answer

Autonomy

Question 24

A teacher creates a collaborative learning environment where students work together on projects and provide each other with feedback. This fosters a sense of:

Accepted Answer

Relatedness

Answer

Extrinsic Motivation

Answer

Competence

Answer

Autonomy

Question 25

Which of the following is NOT considered a key psychological need identified in Self-Determination Theory?

Accepted Answer

Rewards

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Competence

Answer

Relatedness

Question 26

A student is deeply engaged in a project because they find it personally meaningful and enjoyable. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Intrinsic Motivation

Answer

Extrinsic Motivation

Answer

Controlled Motivation

Question 27

A teacher uses a system of points and rewards for completing assignments. While this might increase short-term compliance, it can also lead to:

Accepted Answer

Decreased intrinsic motivation

Answer

Enhanced sense of competence

Answer

Increased intrinsic motivation

Answer

Increased autonomy

Question 28

According to Self-Determination Theory, what is the most effective way to promote long-term student motivation?

Accepted Answer

Create a learning environment that supports autonomy, competence, and relatedness.

Answer

Focus primarily on academic achievement and standardized tests.

Answer

Use rewards and punishment to control student behavior.

Question 29

A student feels pressured to perform well in a class due to external expectations. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Controlled Motivation

Answer

Amotivation

Answer

Intrinsic Motivation

Answer

Autonomous Motivation

Question 30

Which statement accurately describes Self-Determination Theory?

Accepted Answer

It emphasizes the role of social and psychological factors in motivating individuals.

Answer

It suggests that all motivation is primarily driven by external rewards.

Answer

It focuses primarily on biological and genetic influences on motivation.

Question 31

A teacher aims to increase student engagement in a history lesson. Which strategy aligns best with Self-Determination Theory principles?

Accepted Answer

Allowing students to choose a historical event to research and present in a creative format.

Answer

Offering extra credit for completing assigned readings.

Answer

Requiring all students to memorize a list of historical dates and events.

Question 32

According to Self-Determination Theory, which of the following is NOT a basic psychological need?

Accepted Answer

Achievement

Answer

Relatedness

Answer

Competence

Answer

Autonomy

Question 33

Which of the following is a characteristic of self-determined motivation?

Accepted Answer

Intrinsic and lasting

Answer

Conditional and fragile

Answer

Intermittent and unpredictable

Answer

Extrinsic and short-lived

Question 34

In a classroom that fosters autonomy, students are likely to:

Accepted Answer

Have choices in their learning

Answer

Be closely supervised and monitored

Answer

Receive constant praise and rewards

Answer

Face severe consequences for mistakes

Question 35

Which of the following is a benefit of meeting students' needs for relatedness?

Accepted Answer

Increased social support and belonging

Answer

Greater likelihood of antisocial behavior

Answer

Diminished self-esteem

Answer

Reduced motivation

Question 36

Educators can promote competence by:

Accepted Answer

Providing opportunities for success and mastery

Answer

Constantly comparing students to others

Answer

Setting unattainable goals

Answer

Focusing on students' weaknesses

Question 37

True or False: Self-Determination Theory suggests that extrinsic motivation is always inferior to intrinsic motivation.

Accepted Answer

False

Answer

Not specified in Self-Determination Theory

Answer

Sometimes true, sometimes false

Answer

True

Question 38

Which of the following is a criticism of Self-Determination Theory?

Accepted Answer

It may not be applicable to all cultures

Answer

It is not supported by empirical evidence

Answer

It is too difficult to implement in practice

Answer

It is too simplistic

Question 39

In a classroom that supports student autonomy, the teacher's role would MOST likely be to:

Accepted Answer

Guide and facilitate learning rather than direct

Answer

Establish strict rules and consequences

Answer

Provide constant feedback and praise

Answer

Lecture and demonstrate without student involvement

Question 40

Which of the following is an example of a strategy to foster student relatedness?

Accepted Answer

Creating a welcoming and supportive classroom community

Answer

Ignoring student input and feedback

Answer

Using competitive games and activities

Question 41

Self-Determination Theory emphasizes the importance of:

Accepted Answer

Internal locus of control

Answer

High self-esteem

Answer

Positive self-concept

Answer

External locus of control

Question 42

A teacher notices that a student is struggling to complete a challenging math problem. According to Self-Determination Theory, what would be the MOST effective way to motivate the student?

Accepted Answer

Provide guidance and support to help the student feel competent in solving the problem.

Answer

Offer a reward for completing the problem correctly.

Answer

Explain that the student will receive a failing grade if they don't solve the problem.

Question 43

Which of the following classroom practices is LEAST likely to promote student autonomy, according to Self-Determination Theory?

Accepted Answer

Enforcing strict rules and consequences with no room for student input.

Answer

Encouraging students to set personal learning goals.

Answer

Providing students with choices about how to demonstrate their learning.

Question 44

Self-Determination Theory suggests that intrinsic motivation is most likely to flourish in learning environments that are characterized by:

Accepted Answer

Support, autonomy, and a sense of belonging.

Answer

Strict deadlines, high pressure, and constant monitoring.

Answer

Competition, rewards, and external evaluation.

Answer

Rote learning, memorization, and standardized testing.

Question 45

Which of the following teacher statements best reflects the concept of relatedness in Self-Determination Theory?

Accepted Answer

“I want to create a classroom where everyone feels safe, respected, and connected to each other.”

Answer

“I expect all students to follow my instructions precisely and meet my high standards.”

Answer

“I believe in rewarding students for good behavior and punishing them for misbehavior.”

Question 46

A student is initially excited about a science project but loses interest after receiving negative feedback on their first attempt.  Which teacher response aligns BEST with Self-Determination Theory?

Accepted Answer

“I see you're feeling discouraged. Let's work together to identify areas for improvement and build on your strengths.”

Answer

“Don't worry, not everyone excels in science. You can focus on subjects you're naturally good at.”

Question 47

According to Self-Determination Theory, which of the following is considered an extrinsic motivator?

Accepted Answer

Earning good grades to receive praise from parents.

Answer

Feeling a sense of accomplishment after solving a difficult puzzle.

Answer

Engaging in a hobby for the pure enjoyment of the activity.

Question 48

Which statement BEST reflects the relationship between autonomy and academic performance, according to Self-Determination Theory?

Accepted Answer

Students who feel a sense of ownership and control over their learning tend to perform better academically.

Answer

Students who strictly follow teacher instructions without questioning perform best academically.

Question 49

When designing a new unit plan, a teacher decides to incorporate student choice in project topics, learning activities, and group formation. This approach is MOST likely to foster which element of Self-Determination Theory?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Extrinsic Motivation

Answer

Relatedness

Answer

Competence

Question 50

Self-Determination Theory suggests that even when individuals are not initially interested in a task, they can become more motivated if:

Accepted Answer

They see the task as relevant to their own goals and values.

Answer

They are threatened with punishment for not completing the task.

Answer

They are promised a reward for completing the task.

Question 51

A primary goal of applying Self-Determination Theory in education is to:

Accepted Answer

Cultivate intrinsic motivation and foster students' love of learning.

Answer

Ensure students comply with rules and achieve high test scores through extrinsic rewards.

Answer

Emphasize competition and individual achievement over collaboration and social-emotional learning.