Abstract
Despite the vast body of studies within self-determination theory, the impact of factors which influence performance in experimental paradigm is still underresearched. The aim of the two studies presented in this paper was to investigate the impact of basic psychological needs on performance with the simultaneous presence of external incentives. Study 1 tested whether the satisfaction of competence and relatedness during task performance (while external incentives were present) can impact individual’s performance. Study 2, on the other hand, investigated whether the basic psychological needs and provision of external incentives can impact an individual’s performance. Moreover, in both studies the mechanisms behind the need–performance relationship was checked. Our results showed that out of the three basic needs, competence had the strongest positive impact on performance, which was partially mediated by the subjective evaluation of the levels of difficulty and intrinsic motivation. The weak relationship between relatedness and task performance was fully mediated by the level of intrinsic motivation.
Highlights
When we asked people a question concerning the reasons why they work, learn, or exercise efficiently, with a high degree of probability they would enumerate some kind of incentives or rewards at the top of their lists
self-determination theory (SDT) depicts human beings as having three basic psychological needs which contribute to the development of their intrinsic motivation towards striving, well-being, and performance [4]
In two studies we tried to investigate the simultaneous impact of incentives and basic psychological needs on performance
Summary
When we asked people a question concerning the reasons why they work, learn, or exercise efficiently, with a high degree of probability they would enumerate some kind of incentives or rewards (remuneration, grades, or bonuses) at the top of their lists. This common belief has almost become an axiom, which can make people reject—or at least undermine—other possible explanations of what could increase the performance of their actions or undertakings.
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