Self-determination mini-theories in second language learning: A systematic review of three decades of research

Self-determination theory is one of the most established motivational theories both within second language learning and beyond. This theory has generated several mini-theories, namely: organismic integration theory, cognitive evaluation theory, basic psychological needs theory, goal contents theory,...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Language teaching research : LTR Vol. 29; no. 4; pp. 1603 - 1638
Main Authors: Al-Hoorie, Ali H., Oga-Baldwin, W.L. Quint, Hiver, Phil, Vitta, Joseph P.
Format: Journal Article
Language:English
Published: London, England SAGE Publications 01.05.2025
Subjects:
controlled
self-determined
autonomous
extrinsic
intrinsic
systematic review
ISSN:1362-1688, 1477-0954
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:Self-determination theory is one of the most established motivational theories both within second language learning and beyond. This theory has generated several mini-theories, namely: organismic integration theory, cognitive evaluation theory, basic psychological needs theory, goal contents theory, causality orientations theory, and relationships motivation theory. After providing an up-to-date account of these mini-theories, we present the results of a systematic review of empirical second language research into self-determination theory over a 30-year period (k = 111). Our analysis of studies in this report pool showed that some mini-theories were well-represented while others were underrepresented or absent from the literature. We also examined this report pool to note trends in research design, operationalization, measurement, and application of self-determination theory constructs. Based on our results, we highlight directions for future research in relation to theory and practice.
ISSN:1362-1688
1477-0954
DOI:10.1177/13621688221102686