Deci 1985

Book

Deci EL, Ryan RM. Intrinsic Motivation and Self-Determination in Human Behavior. New York: Plenum Press; 1985.

Why we cite it

The seminal formal articulation of Self-Determination Theory as a comprehensive framework. Introduced the three basic psychological needs (autonomy, competence, relatedness), the motivation continuum from amotivation through external regulation to intrinsic motivation, and Cognitive Evaluation Theory explaining how social-contextual factors affect intrinsic motivation. Foundational to the project's understanding of why internal motivation outperforms external rewards for sustained behavior change.

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