Self-determination theory identifies three basic needs: autonomy, relatedness, and what else?

• A. Internal motivation
• B. External rewards
• C. Autonomy, relatedness, and competence
• D. Self-efficacy

Answer: (C)

Self-determination theory holds three basic psychological needs that support motivation and well-being: autonomy, relatedness, and competence. Competence means feeling effective and capable in what you’re doing—experiencing mastery, progress, and the sense that your efforts lead to real improvement. When you feel competent, you’re more likely to engage willingly in activities, seek challenge, and enjoy intrinsic motivation.

From the other options, internal motivation or intrinsic motivation is an outcome of meeting these needs rather than one of the needs itself, while external rewards are extrinsic motivators that can sometimes undermine intrinsic motivation. Self-efficacy is a related belief about your ability to succeed, but it’s not one of the three basic needs identified by SDT.