PSMB078 Theory and practice of self-determination

Faculty of Arts
Spring 2025
Extent and Intensity
0/2/0. 3 credit(s). Type of Completion: k (colloquium).
In-person direct teaching
Teacher(s)
Mgr. Vojtěch Očenášek (lecturer)
Guaranteed by
PhDr. Zuzana Slováčková, Ph.D.
Department of Psychology – Faculty of Arts
Contact Person: Jarmila Valchářová
Supplier department: Department of Psychology – Faculty of Arts
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is only offered to the students of the study fields the course is directly associated with.

The capacity limit for the course is 12 student(s).
Current registration and enrolment status: enrolled: 0/12, only registered: 0/12
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
Course objectives
Students will get a basic overview of Self-Determination Theory and sub-theories. Subsequently, they will try out the application of the theory in selected areas and get an idea of ​​how we can use the theory to interpret some common situations in our lives and in the world around us.
Learning outcomes
After completing the course, the student will be able to:
- briefly explain the basic principles of SDT;
- look at motivation from the point of view of its quality;
- distinguish the effects of the quality of motivation on personal well-being, sustainability of goals, health;
- apply knowledge of basic psychological needs when communicating with others;
- work with findings across psychological disciplines;
- explain the situations around us from the point of view of SDT;
- search for current information from the field of SDT in areas of personal interest.
Syllabus
  • Day 1 Philosophical Foundations and Basic Assumptions of Self-Determination Theory Historical Overview (Research on Intrinsic Motivation) CET - Cognitive Evaluation Theory: Undermining Effect; Rewards; Informative vs. Controlling Conditions OIT - Organismic Integration Theory: Motivational Spectrum; Integration Process; Manifestations and Impacts of Different Qualities of Regulation BPNT - Basic Psychological Needs Theory: Autonomy, Competence, and Relatedness; Practical Applications
  • Day 2 GCT - Goal Contents Theory The Impact of Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Aspirations on Goal Sustainability, Well-being COT - Causal Orientations Theory Autonomy/Control/Impersonal Orientation; Personality in the Context of SDT RMT - Relationships Motivation Theory Relationships in the Context of SDT Practical Application of Theoretical Principles to Societal Issues
  • Day 3 Applied Areas: Utilization in Various Disciplines of Psychology Educational Psychology; Work Psychology; Clinical Psychology and Therapy; Sports Psychology; Applications in the Video Game Industry; Behavior Change Support Interventions (e.g., Healthcare).
Literature
    required literature
  • Ryan, R. M. (Ed.). (2023). The Oxford handbook of self-determination theory. Oxford University Press.
  • Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2017). Self-determination theory: Basic psychological needs in motivation, development, and wellness. The Guilford Press.
    not specified
  • Deci, E. L., Olafsen, A. H., & Ryan, R. M. (2017). Self-determination theory in work organizations: The state of a science. Annual review of organizational psychology and organizational behavior, 4(1), 19-43.
  • Vansteenkiste, M., Ryan, R. M., & Soenens, B. (2020). Basic psychological need theory: Advancements, critical themes, and future directions. Motivation and emotion, 44(1), 1-31.
  • Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2014). Autonomy and need satisfaction in close relationships: Relationships motivation theory. Human motivation and interpersonal relationships: Theory, research, and applications, 53-73.
  • Hagger, M. S., & Hamilton, K. (2021). General causality orientations in self-determination theory: Meta-analysis and test of a process model. European Journal of Personality, 35(5), 710-735.
  • Deci, E. L., Ryan, R. M., Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (1985). Toward an organismic integration theory: motivation and development. Intrinsic motivation and self-determination in human behavior, 113-148.
Teaching methods
The course is taught in block sessions. Meetings will take the form of discussions supplemented with brief theoretical inputs, group work, practical applications, and experiential activities.
Assessment methods
Colloquium: Preparation of a research review on a selected applied topic in the context of Self-Determination Theory (SDT). The student will develop a presentation demonstrating their ability to navigate the sub-theories of SDT and connect this knowledge to a specific topic of their choice. The final presentation will be based on current research (from the past 5 years) and include: An overview of contemporary findings, A critical evaluation of the research, Implications for practical application.
Language of instruction
Czech
Further Comments
The course is taught each semester.
The course is taught: in blocks.
The course is also listed under the following terms Autumn 2023, Spring 2024, Autumn 2024.
  • Enrolment Statistics (Spring 2025, recent)
  • Permalink: https://is.muni.cz/course/phil/spring2025/PSMB078