Cognitive Evaluation Theory

Definition

Cognitive Evaluation Theory is a motivational theory that focuses on how external factors, such as rewards and feedback, can influence an individual's intrinsic motivation. It suggests that factors that undermine a person's sense of autonomy and competence can diminish their intrinsic motivation, while factors that support these needs can enhance it.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cognitive Evaluation Theory suggests that external factors, such as rewards, can undermine an individual's intrinsic motivation by diminishing their sense of autonomy and competence.
2. The theory posits that rewards, feedback, and other external factors can be perceived as controlling, which can lead to a decrease in intrinsic motivation.
3. Factors that support an individual's sense of autonomy and competence, such as providing meaningful choices and positive feedback, can enhance intrinsic motivation.
4. Cognitive Evaluation Theory emphasizes the importance of considering the informational and controlling aspects of external factors when assessing their impact on intrinsic motivation.
5. The theory has been applied in various contexts, including education, workplace settings, and sports, to understand and enhance intrinsic motivation and performance.

Review Questions

• Explain how Cognitive Evaluation Theory relates to the concept of intrinsic motivation.
  • Cognitive Evaluation Theory focuses on how external factors, such as rewards and feedback, can influence an individual's intrinsic motivation. The theory suggests that factors that undermine a person's sense of autonomy and competence can diminish their intrinsic motivation, while factors that support these needs can enhance it. Intrinsic motivation refers to the desire to engage in an activity for its own sake, out of interest or enjoyment, rather than for external rewards or pressures. Cognitive Evaluation Theory emphasizes the importance of considering the informational and controlling aspects of external factors when assessing their impact on intrinsic motivation.
• Analyze how Cognitive Evaluation Theory relates to the broader concept of Self-Determination Theory.
  • Cognitive Evaluation Theory is a specific theory within the broader framework of Self-Determination Theory. Self-Determination Theory focuses on the importance of an individual's innate psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness in fostering intrinsic motivation and well-being. Cognitive Evaluation Theory specifically examines how external factors, such as rewards and feedback, can influence an individual's intrinsic motivation by affecting their sense of autonomy and competence. The two theories are closely related, as Cognitive Evaluation Theory provides a more detailed understanding of how specific external factors can impact intrinsic motivation, which is a central concept within Self-Determination Theory.
• Evaluate the practical implications of Cognitive Evaluation Theory in the context of contemporary views on motivation.
  • Cognitive Evaluation Theory has significant practical implications for understanding and enhancing motivation in various contexts, such as education, the workplace, and sports. The theory suggests that managers, educators, and coaches should carefully consider the informational and controlling aspects of external factors, such as rewards and feedback, to avoid undermining an individual's intrinsic motivation. By supporting an individual's sense of autonomy and competence, through providing meaningful choices, positive feedback, and minimizing controlling factors, the theory suggests that intrinsic motivation and performance can be enhanced. Cognitive Evaluation Theory's insights have been widely applied in contemporary views on motivation, highlighting the importance of fostering intrinsic motivation for optimal outcomes.

Related terms

Intrinsic Motivation: Intrinsic motivation refers to the desire to engage in an activity for its own sake, out of interest or enjoyment, rather than for external rewards or pressures.

Extrinsic Motivation: Extrinsic motivation refers to the desire to engage in an activity in order to obtain a reward or avoid a punishment, rather than for the inherent satisfaction of the activity itself.

Self-Determination Theory: Self-Determination Theory is a broader motivational theory that encompasses Cognitive Evaluation Theory and focuses on the importance of an individual's innate psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness in fostering intrinsic motivation and well-being.