CogniGuide Logo
CogniGuide

Self-Determination Theory Mind Map for Students

See how the theory divides into basic needs, motivation types and conditions for growth. Create your own map from notes, a PDF or slides.

No credit card required

AI Generated Preview

Trusted by learners from top universities

University of California, BerkeleyUniversity of MichiganGeorgetown UniversityUniversity of Southern CaliforniaUniversity of Wisconsin-MadisonUniversity of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

CogniGuide at a glance

What you get
Interactive mind maps of the main ideas and how they connect. Free: overview maps (detailed maps on your first 3 creations). Plus: detailed maps with supporting concepts.
Exports
Your first PDF or PNG export is free; Plus exports anytime.
Price
Free plan: 5 creations a week, up to 3 a day. Plus: $9.99/month or $99.90/year (USD; local prices at checkout).
Sign-up
A free account is required before you create anything (Google or email). No credit card.
What you can upload
PDF, Word (.docx), PowerPoint (.pptx), plain text or Markdown, and images (PNG, JPG, WebP, GIF), or type a topic. One file per creation on the free plan; several at once on Plus.

How it compares: vs Knowt · vs Quizlet · vs NotebookLM · vs Mapify

Build Your Own Self-Determination Map

Turn your course readings into a clear map of needs, motivation types and related ideas.

Map from your own material

Upload lecture slides, a PDF chapter or typed notes and get a structured map of the theory.

Expandable motivation branches

Open any branch, such as autonomy or external regulation, to add detail and examples.

Quiz and flashcards

Turn the same map into a quiz or flashcards to test your recall before the exam.

How to Make a Self-Determination Theory Map

Three steps from your reading to a map you can study and quiz yourself on.

  1. 1

    Add your material

    Upload your textbook chapter, slides or notes, or simply type the topic name.

  2. 2

    AI builds the map

    The AI organizes the theory into its needs, motivation continuum and key concepts.

  3. 3

    Study, expand and quiz

    Expand branches, edit wording, then export the map or test yourself with a quiz.

Self-Determination Theory Mind Map Overview

A self-determination theory mind map shows how Edward Deci and Richard Ryan explain human motivation. The theory holds that people thrive when three basic psychological needs are met: autonomy, competence and relatedness. The map separates these needs from the motivation types that follow from how well they are satisfied.

  • Basic needs: autonomy, competence and relatedness, the core conditions for growth
  • Motivation continuum: amotivation, extrinsic regulation and intrinsic motivation
  • Internalization: how external goals become personally held values
  • Supporting conditions: autonomy-supportive environments that help needs get met

Use the map to review the three needs and the motivation continuum before an exam or essay. You can build a personalized version from your own course notes with CogniGuide.

Explore related topics

divine command theory mind mapThis divine command theory mind map shows how ethics is grounded in God's commands, with the Euthyphro dilemma and key objections.social learning theory mind mapThis social learning theory mind map shows Bandura's key ideas: observational learning, attention, retention and motivation.attachment theory mind mapAn attachment theory mind map shows the key ideas: Bowlby's attachment bond, Ainsworth's infant styles and adult attachment. Build your own from your notes.rational choice theory concept mapThis rational choice theory concept map covers core assumptions, utility maximization, key models and common criticisms.drive reduction theory mind mapA drive reduction theory mind map shows how biological needs create drives, and how reducing them reinforces behavior.endogenous growth theory mind mapThis endogenous growth theory mind map covers the key models, the role of knowledge and innovation, and how policy affects long-run growth.motivation concept mapSee a motivation concept map covering intrinsic and extrinsic drivers and key theories, then build your own from notes.intrinsic motivation mind mapThis page shows an intrinsic motivation mind map covering autonomy, competence and relatedness. Build your own from notes.

Self-Determination Theory Mind Map FAQ

Common questions about the theory and how to map it.

What are the three basic needs in self-determination theory?

The three basic psychological needs are autonomy, the feeling of choosing one's actions; competence, the feeling of being effective; and relatedness, the sense of connection with others. The theory proposes that satisfying all three supports well-being and self-motivated behavior.

What is the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation in this theory?

Intrinsic motivation comes from interest and enjoyment of an activity itself. Extrinsic motivation comes from outside rewards or pressure. The theory describes extrinsic motivation on a continuum, from external regulation to identified and integrated regulation, which becomes more self-determined.

Which files can I upload to make my own map?

You can upload PDF, Word (DOCX) or PowerPoint (PPTX) files, text or Markdown files, or images. You can also type the topic name and the AI will build a mind map from it.

Is it free, and can I turn the map into a quiz?

There is a free plan with 5 creations a week and no payment needed. Any map can be turned into a quiz to test yourself, and the same notes can become flashcards.