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Table 1 Four types of motivation measured by the Situational Motivation Scale (SIMS), ordered from most self-determined (top) to least self-determined (bottom) (Ryan and Deci 2000)

From: Motivation, pedagogy, and gender: examining the multifaceted and dynamic situational responses of women and men in college STEM courses

Motivation type

Description

Intrinsic motivation

Deeply internalized engagement based on interest, enjoyment, satisfaction, or passion in an activity

Identified regulation

Internal drive that is congruent with an internal sense of self, and based on perceived value, importance, or usefulness of a task

External regulation

Engagement based on a sense of compliance, external pressure, punishment avoidance, or contingent reward

Amotivation

Impersonal or non-intentional action described by perceived lack of control and a disconnection between actions and outcomes