From the Wikipedia page:
SDT is a theory of motivation that grew out of studies studying extrinsic and intrinsic motivations. SDT posits that intrinsic motives are the primary psychological motivations in all individuals.
-
Intrinsic motives are internal rewards; things that are done for the pleasure of doing them.
-
Extrinsic motives are outside rewards that motivate our behavior.
SDT says that there are three basic psychological needs that inform our intrinsic motivation:
-
Autonomy. Self determination. Agency. To be in control of one's own life. Psychological liberty. Freedom of internal will. Deadlines are a restriction of autonomy because they remove control from the individual, reducing their intrinsic motivation. Choice (and the illusion of it?) increases one's sense of autonomy.
-
Competence. A feeling of mastery. This is where positive feedback comes into play. Praising someone for accomplishing a task increases their feelings of competence which feeds their intrinsic motivation.
-
Relatedness. Connection to others. Desire to interact with others.