1. Self-Determination Theory and Autonomy
Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2006). Self-regulation and the problem of human autonomy: Does psychology need choice, self-determination, and will? Journal of Personality, 74(6),

2. What is Self-Determination Theory?
Self-Determination Theory is an approach to development and motivation that features the concept of autonomy.

3. Autonomy is…..

4. Autonomy is…
Regulation by the self. In Self-Determination Theory, an act must be fully endorsed by the self after reflection, regardless of whether the act is internally or externally motivated, in order for the act to be considered autonomous.

5. Barrel Racing As An Example of Autonomy:
What is the goal or purpose of barrel racing?
According to SDT’s definition of autonomy, what elements would need to fall in to place in order for a barrel racer to have a feeling of autonomy after a run?

6. Which of the following barrel racers will experience autonomy after the run is over?

8. More on Self-Determination Theory (SDT):
In Self-Determination Theory, autonomy is key to understanding behavioral regulation. SDT focuses on understanding the nature of autonomy, how autonomy develops, and how it is affected by external conditions, such as biological and social conditions.

9. Heteronomy is….

10. Heteronomy is….
The opposite of autonomy. Behavior is controlled or regulated without self-endorsement.

11. Why is autonomy preferred to heteronomy?
~When there is no autonomous motivation, performance and creativity levels in the individual drop.
~ Autonomy facilitates attachment and intimacy. When autonomy is not supported, relationship are not established easily.
~ In SDT, autonomy is viewed as a basic psychological need. An individual that functions without autonomy will have negative effects on his/her well-being.

12. What other factors can effect autonomy?
~ External Rewards
~ Conditional Regard
~Controlling Conditions
~Ego Involvement and Self Awareness

13. And there are always those that don’t agree:
The Behaviorists: Skinner (1971) felt that the concept of autonomy reflected an ignorance of the actual factors that control behavior.
From the Social Cognitive perspective, Bandura (1989) felt that because autonomy is free from environmental influences, that there is no true autonomy, because everything is affected by the environment.
In the field of neuroscience, it has been suggested that our brain actually controls what we perceive as our own will.

14. SDT and Self-Regulation

15. Questions and Discussion

16. According to SDT, is a behavior autonomous if it is prompted unconsciously? How does SDT relate to the illusion of conscious will?

17. Is it possible to have many choices and experience autonomy
Is it possible to have many choices and experience autonomy? Can there be only one choice and the individual experience a sense of autonomy?

18. Would cognitive load become an issue if the individual has too many choices?

19. The End