A Cognitive-developmental Approach to the Effects of Rewards on Intrinsic Motivation

Need satisfaction and the self-regulation of learning

“…If it is too easy it tends to be boring, and if it is too difficult it tends to be overly anxiety provoking. A study by Danner and Lonky (1981) confirmed that in an experimental classroom, children tended to select activities that were just slightly beyond their current competencies, as determined by a pre-test. These optimally challenging activities attracted the children and seemed to provide them the opportunity to experience a sense of competence by conquering the challenges (Deci, 1975).…”

Perceived competence and autonomy as moderators of the effects of achievement goal orientations

“…Thus, the need for competence does not alone underlie intrinsic motivation; the competence must be self-determined (Deci & Ryan, 1985). In support of this claim, empirical studies have reported that, when persons work in conditions that support their autonomy, their strivings for competence are most effective (Danner & Lonky, 1981;Levesque, Zuehlke, Stanek, & Ryan, 2004). In sum, the feeling of one's own competence is an important factor in producing positive behaviors.…”

Self‐Determination Theory and the Relation of Autonomy to Self‐Regulatory Processes and Personality Development

“…Other studies found that positive feedback (Deci, 1971) and optimal challenge (Danner & Lonky, 1981) enhanced intrinsic motivation by providing satisfaction of the basic need for competence, whereas negative feedback diminished intrinsic motivation (Vallerand & Reid, 1984). Thus the experience of competence is also important for intrinsic motivation, although again the experience of competence must be accompanied by the experience of autonomy for it to have a positive impact on intrinsic motivation (Ryan, 1982).…”