The Role of Self-Determination in Adult Motivation and Learning

Abstract

Motivation plays an important role in learning. It is an internal state that arouses, directs, and maintains behaviour. This paper will make a distinction between internal and external motivation, and focus on the components of self-determination and the relationship to motivation and learning in adults. Introduction Motivation is defined by Woolfolk, Winne, & Perry as "an internal state that arouses, directs, and maintains behaviour". The role that motivation plays in learning is a vast subject that involves many factors. This introductory paper will begin by making a distinction between internal and external motivation. It will then focus specifically on the components of self-determination and their relationship to motivation and learning in adults. In addition, it will highlight how motivation is viewed from a humanistic perspective in psychology and the possible constraints associated with that.