According to Richard Ryan and Edward Deci's research, when a person feels a strong sense of autonomy and competence when completing a task, that person's _____ increases.

• A. drive-reduction
• B. intrinsic motivation
• C. extrinsic motivation
• D. incentive

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the key concepts: Richard Ryan and Edward Deci are known for their Self-Determination Theory, which emphasizes the role of intrinsic motivation in human behavior.
2. Identify the terms: Autonomy refers to the feeling of being in control of one's own actions, while competence refers to the feeling of being effective in one's activities.
3. Relate the concepts: According to Self-Determination Theory, when individuals experience autonomy and competence, they are more likely to be intrinsically motivated.
4. Differentiate between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation: Intrinsic motivation involves engaging in a task for the inherent satisfaction and interest, whereas extrinsic motivation involves performing a task for external rewards or pressures.
5. Conclude the reasoning: Given the context of autonomy and competence, the increase in intrinsic motivation is the most aligned with Ryan and Deci's research findings.