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Richard Ryan
Self-determination theory (SDT) is an empirically based theory of motivation and psychological development that is especially focused on the basic psychological needs that promote high quality motivation and wellness, and how they are supported in social contexts. SDT details how the styles and strategies of motivators such as parents, teachers, coaches, managers, and health-care professionals can promote or undermine engagement and the positive consequences that follow from it.
Read more
Self-determination theory (SDT) is an empirically based theory of motivation and psychological development that is especially focused on the basic psychological needs that promote high quality motivation and wellness, and how they are supported in social contexts. SDT details how the styles and strategies of motivators such as parents, teachers, coaches, managers, and health-care professionals can promote or undermine engagement and the positive consequences that follow from it.
Read more
Self-determination theory (SDT) is an empirically based theory of motivation and psychological development that is especially focused on the basic psychological needs that promote high quality motivation and wellness, and how they are supported in social contexts. SDT details how the styles and strategies of motivators such as parents, teachers, coaches, managers, and health-care professionals can promote or undermine engagement and the positive consequences that follow from it.
In this course, Professor Richard Ryan, co-founder of the theory, will provide an overview of SDT with special emphasis on how autonomy, competence, and relatedness supports and facilitates behavioral persistence, quality of relationships, and healthy developmental processes, among other topics. He will also discuss the convergence of behavioral phenomenological and neuropsychological aspects of autonomy within SDT research. In addition, he will illustrate practical applications of SDT, with emphasis on educational, work, sport, healthcare and psychotherapy settings.
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What's inside
Syllabus
Week 1
The first module of this course begins with an introduction and overview of Self-Determination Theory (SDT). This includes a discussion of the basic and historical principles of SDT as well as definitions of key terms. Module 1 continues with an introduction to one of SDT’s mini-theories, Cognitive Evaluation Theory (CET) and the core concept of intrinsic motivation. The impact of rewards on intrinsic motivation and the role of intrinsic motivation in video gaming are also discussed.
Read more
Syllabus
Week 1
The first module of this course begins with an introduction and overview of Self-Determination Theory (SDT). This includes a discussion of the basic and historical principles of SDT as well as definitions of key terms. Module 1 continues with an introduction to one of SDT’s mini-theories, Cognitive Evaluation Theory (CET) and the core concept of intrinsic motivation. The impact of rewards on intrinsic motivation and the role of intrinsic motivation in video gaming are also discussed.
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Explores theories and concepts highly relevant to work environments and organizational success
Teaches the basic principles of motivational psychology and the core concepts behind how people stay motivated
Develops skills in creating learning environments that are motivating
Taught by Richard Ryan who is recognized for their work in motivational psychology
Examines the relationship between the styles of those providing motivation (like managers or teachers) and the positive or negative consequences that stem from those styles
Provides numerous illustrations of how Self-Determination Theory can be practically applied, especially in educational or professional contexts
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Reviews summary
Introduction to self-determination theory
According to learners, this course provides a highly valuable introduction to Self-Determination Theory (SDT), taught by Professor Richard Ryan, a co-founder of the theory. Students found the content to be profound, well-structured, and delivered in a clear and engaging manner. The course covers the theory's core principles and mini-theories, as well as its application across various domains like education, work, and health. Many appreciated the practical insights gained, making it applicable to real-life situations and professional practice. While some mentioned it requires dedicated time and focus, the consensus is that it offers a deep understanding and is worth the effort.
Needs dedicated time and attention.
"While excellent, the course is dense and requires dedicated time to digest the material fully."
"I found that I really needed to focus and sometimes rewatch lectures to grasp everything."
"This isn't a light course; be prepared to invest significant time and mental effort."
"It's a rich course, but you need to set aside specific time to engage with the content properly."
Strong starting point for deeper learning.
"This course serves as an excellent foundation for anyone wanting to delve deeper into SDT or related fields."
"I feel well-prepared to explore more advanced topics or research in motivation after taking this course."
"It provides a very solid basis for understanding the research literature on self-determination."
"This course is the perfect starting point if you're new to SDT but want to learn more."
Covers the core theory thoroughly.
"Provides a comprehensive and excellent overview of Self-Determination Theory."
"The course gives a solid foundation in SDT, covering all the main mini-theories."
"I felt the course did a great job covering the breadth of SDT and its research base."
"This is a complete introduction that covers the key concepts and history of SDT."
Insights applicable to real life and work.
"The insights provided are highly applicable to my personal life and professional work."
"I learned practical strategies that I can use in therapy, coaching, and personal development."
"The examples given in the course clearly show how SDT can be applied in various settings like education and healthcare."
"This course gave me practical tools to understand motivation in myself and others."
Material is clear, well-organized, and deep.
"The content is very well structured, profound, and easy to understand."
"The course material is clear, concise, and offers deep insights into human motivation."
"I found the lectures to be very clear and logically structured, making complex ideas accessible."
"This course covers the theory in a profound way that changed my perspective."
Taught by a co-founder of the theory.
"Having one of the founders, Professor Ryan, teach the course was an invaluable experience."
"Dr. Ryan is an outstanding lecturer who has a deep understanding of the material."
"The instructor, a co-founder of SDT, is very knowledgeable and passionate about the topic."
"Learning directly from Professor Ryan was an incredible opportunity and greatly enhanced the course experience."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Introduction to Self-Determination Theory: An approach to motivation, development and wellness with these
activities:
Read Ryan and Deci's book on SDT
Show steps
Provides an in-depth understanding of SDT by engaging with its foundational work.
View
Self-Determination Theory: Basic Psychological...
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Purchase or borrow the book
-
Read the book actively and take notes
Review general psychology
Show steps
Refreshes basic psychological principles discussed in the course.
Browse courses on
Psychology
Show steps
-
Review an overview of psychology
-
Go over basic research methods in psychology
-
Review key theories and perspectives in psychology
-
Read about major areas of psychology (e.g., cognitive, developmental, social)
Organize and review course materials
Show steps
Strengthens understanding by actively reviewing and organizing lecture notes and readings.
Show steps
-
Gather all course materials
-
Organize materials into logical categories
-
Review and summarize the main points of each material
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Create an infographic on SDT
Show steps
Summarizes and visually presents key concepts of SDT to reinforce understanding.
Show steps
-
Identify the key points to include
-
Choose a visually appealing design
-
Create the infographic using a graphic design tool
Participate in a peer discussion group on SDT
Show steps
Fosters deeper understanding and critical thinking through discussing SDT concepts with peers.
Show steps
-
Join or create a discussion group
-
Prepare for discussions by reading course materials
-
Actively participate in discussions
Explore online resources on SDT
Show steps
Broadens knowledge by accessing additional resources on SDT to complement course materials.
Show steps
-
Use search engines or online repositories to find resources
-
Review articles, videos, or tutorials on SDT concepts
Conduct a self-determination experiment
Show steps
Applies SDT principles by designing and conducting an experiment to test motivational hypotheses.
Show steps
-
Choose a research question and hypothesis
-
Develop an experimental design
-
Conduct the experiment
-
Analyze the data and interpret your findings
Contribute to an open-source project related to SDT
Show steps
Applies SDT principles and furthers knowledge by working on real-world projects.
Show steps
-
Identify an open-source project related to SDT
-
Join the project and contribute your skills
Read Ryan and Deci's book on SDT
Show steps
Provides an in-depth understanding of SDT by engaging with its foundational work.
View
Self-Determination Theory: Basic Psychological...
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Purchase or borrow the book
- Read the book actively and take notes
Review general psychology
Show steps
Refreshes basic psychological principles discussed in the course.
Browse courses on
Psychology
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review an overview of psychology
- Go over basic research methods in psychology
- Review key theories and perspectives in psychology
- Read about major areas of psychology (e.g., cognitive, developmental, social)
Organize and review course materials
Show steps
Strengthens understanding by actively reviewing and organizing lecture notes and readings.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Gather all course materials
- Organize materials into logical categories
- Review and summarize the main points of each material
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Create an infographic on SDT
Show steps
Summarizes and visually presents key concepts of SDT to reinforce understanding.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify the key points to include
- Choose a visually appealing design
- Create the infographic using a graphic design tool
Participate in a peer discussion group on SDT
Show steps
Fosters deeper understanding and critical thinking through discussing SDT concepts with peers.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Join or create a discussion group
- Prepare for discussions by reading course materials
- Actively participate in discussions
Explore online resources on SDT
Show steps
Broadens knowledge by accessing additional resources on SDT to complement course materials.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Use search engines or online repositories to find resources
- Review articles, videos, or tutorials on SDT concepts
Conduct a self-determination experiment
Show steps
Applies SDT principles by designing and conducting an experiment to test motivational hypotheses.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a research question and hypothesis
- Develop an experimental design
- Conduct the experiment
- Analyze the data and interpret your findings
Contribute to an open-source project related to SDT
Show steps
Applies SDT principles and furthers knowledge by working on real-world projects.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify an open-source project related to SDT
- Join the project and contribute your skills
Career center
Learners who complete Introduction to Self-Determination Theory: An approach to motivation, development and wellness will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Human Resources Manager
Human Resources Manager
Creating a positive and motivating work environment is crucial for *Human Resources Managers*. Self-Determination Theory provides a framework for understanding the basic psychological needs that drive motivation and wellness, offering valuable insights into strategies for fostering employee engagement, job satisfaction, and overall well-being within organizations.
Industrial-Organizational Psychologist
Industrial-Organizational Psychologist
Understanding motivation and its impact on workplace behavior is central to the field of Industrial-Organizational Psychology. Self-Determination Theory provides a comprehensive framework for examining the psychological needs that drive motivation and well-being in organizational settings. This course may offer valuable insights for *Industrial-Organizational Psychologists* seeking to improve employee performance, job satisfaction, and overall organizational effectiveness.
Talent Development Specialist
Talent Development Specialist
Self-Determination Theory emphasizes the importance of supporting individuals' autonomy, competence, and relatedness for fostering growth and development. For *Talent Development Specialists* seeking to create effective training and development programs, understanding these principles can help them design interventions that promote employee motivation, engagement, and long-term success.
Organizational Development Consultant
Organizational Development Consultant
Self-Determination Theory places emphasis on the impact of social contexts on motivation and well-being. For *Organizational Development Consultants* seeking to create more engaging and supportive work environments, understanding the basic psychological needs of employees can be invaluable for developing effective interventions and strategies.
Motivational Speaker
Motivational Speaker
Understanding motivation is critical for *Motivational Speakers* to effectively inspire and engage their audiences. Self-Determination Theory, which focuses on the basic psychological needs that drive motivation and wellness, may provide valuable insights for developing compelling messages that resonate with listeners and promote positive change.
Positive Psychologist
Positive Psychologist
Self-Determination Theory explores the basic psychological needs that promote high quality motivation and wellness, aligning with the focus of *Positive Psychologists* on understanding and fostering well-being. This course may provide valuable insights into the factors that contribute to human flourishing and positive outcomes.
Counseling Psychologist
Counseling Psychologist
This course delves into Self-Determination Theory, which focuses on the basic psychological needs that drive motivation and wellness. For *Counseling Psychologists* seeking to support clients in achieving their full potential, understanding these principles is vital for fostering self-determination, autonomy, and overall well-being.
Clinical Psychologist
Clinical Psychologist
Understanding motivation and the psychological needs of people is essential for *Clinical Psychologists* in helping their clients achieve positive outcomes. Self-Determination Theory explores the basic psychological needs that drive motivation and wellness, providing valuable knowledge for supporting clients' psychological growth and well-being.
Social Worker
Social Worker
Self-Determination Theory places an emphasis on understanding the basic psychological needs that promote high quality motivation and wellness. This course may provide *Social Workers* with valuable insights into the needs of their clients, helping them develop more effective supportive methods and interventions.
Educational Psychologist
Educational Psychologist
*Educational Psychologists* often work with students, teachers, and parents to promote positive learning experiences. Self-Determination Theory, which explores the basic psychological needs for high quality motivation and learning, could provide valuable insights for understanding and addressing challenges within educational settings.
Teacher
Teacher
Understanding how to support students' motivation is a crucial skill for *Teachers*. This course focuses on the basic psychological needs that promote high quality motivation and wellness and provides evidence-based approaches for creating learning environments that foster students' self-determination and engagement.
School Counselor
School Counselor
Self-Determination Theory focuses on the basic psychological needs that promote high quality motivation and positive developmental processes. Principles from this course may help *School Counselors* gain deeper insight into strategies for supporting students' self-determination, autonomy, and overall growth within academic settings.
Wellness Coach
Wellness Coach
An understanding of motivation and the psychological needs of people is critical for *Wellness Coaches* to effectively guide their clients in achieving their health goals. Self-Determination Theory, which focuses on the basic psychological needs that promote high quality motivation and wellness, may be a valuable tool for career development.
Life Coach
Life Coach
To help clients achieve their goals and live a more fulfilling life, *Life Coaches* must have an understanding of motivation and the psychological needs of people. This course provides an overview of Self-Determination Theory, which explores the basic psychological needs individuals must satisfy to live autonomously and pursue their goals.
Health Educator
Health Educator
*Health Educators* need to understand how to clearly communicate and promote healthy living. Self-Determination Theory teaches you the basic psychological needs that support positive behavioral changes and healthy development. Lessons from this course may help you build a foundation for your communication plans and health promotion initiatives.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/uurv2e/introduction
Reading list
We've selected nine books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Introduction to Self-Determination Theory: An approach to motivation, development and wellness.
By the theorists behind the Self-Determination Theory gives an extensive and scholarly overview of the theory and its principles and applications.
Provides a comprehensive overview of motivation from a psychological perspective, including chapters on self-determination theory.
Provides an overview of positive psychology, including chapters on self-determination theory and related topics.
Provides a popular overview of positive psychology, including chapters on self-determination theory and related topics.
Save
Collection of articles on self-determination theory and its applications.
Save
Provides a popular overview of motivation, including chapters on self-determination theory and related topics.
Save
Provides a popular overview of habits and motivation, including chapters on self-determination theory and related topics.
Save
Provides a popular overview of habits and motivation, including chapters on self-determination theory and related topics.
Provides a popular overview of habits and motivation, including chapters on self-determination theory and related topics.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/uurv2e/introduction
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Effort
3-5 hours per week
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
University of Rochester
Instructor
Richard Ryan
Language
English
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