Cognitive evaluation theory from "summary" of Human Motivation by Russell G. Geen
Cognitive evaluation theory suggests that motivation is affected by a person's perception of external rewards, as well as their own self-assessment and evaluation of success. It explains how internal feelings of accomplishment play a role in sustaining a person's motivation.- Cognitive Evaluation Theory proposes that rather than being solely motivated by external rewards and punishments, people have the internal motivation to attain certain conditions of self-determination and personal growth.
- When working toward a goal, one is motivated by feeling a sense of purpose, not because of anticipation of reward or escape from punishment.
- The focus of this theory is on attempts to increase inner motivation by strengthening the drive to take control and ownership over activities and decisions.
- According to this theory, an individual’s behavior is driven by intrinsic desires such as autonomy, competence, mastery and relatedness with others.
- Intrinsic factors hold the greatest weight in influencing individuals to engage in activities - much more so than external rewards or threats of punishment.
- This process extends beyond just recognition and acknowledgement; instead, it involves validating and enabling ongoing learning experiences to be rewarding.
