The Connection Between Gamification and Intrinsic Motivation: An Analysis from the Perspective of Self-Determination Theory

Authors : Merve Özakşehir, Selay Arkün Kocadere

Pages : 828-849

Doi:10.33711/yyuefd.1624548

View : 218 | Download : 692

Publication Date : 2025-12-22

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Self-determination theory (SDT) is a motivational theory that proposes every individual has three basic psychological needs: autonomy, competence and relatedness. Although it is a widely adopted theoretical framework in the gamification literature, applied research on which gamification features fulfill which basic psychological needs of SDT and to what degree is still limited. In this correlational research, we investigated which gamification features satisfy their respective needs the most and the correlation between intrinsic motivation and the need satisfaction by gamification features. Within the scope of the study, we developed the Need Satisfaction of Gamification Features Scale with 174 participants. Through this scale and the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory, we collected data from 36 learners who experienced a 14-week gamified course. The collected data were analyzed by mean, standard deviation, and Pearson correlation coefficient. Findings indicated that autonomy was satisfied the most by providing options, competence by points and relatedness by peer comments. In addition, learners’ intrinsic motivation was found to have a stronger relationship with autonomy, supported by gamification features, than relatedness and competence. The results imply that a gamification design supporting the basic psychological needs of SDT could be utilized in educational settings that aim to facilitate learners’ intrinsic motivation.
Keywords : oyunlaştırma, öz belirleme kuramı, ihtiyaç doyumu, içsel motivasyon, öğrenme

ORIGINAL ARTICLE URL