Career
He is well known in psychology for his theories of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation and basic psychological needs. Self-determination theory is a macro theory of human motivation that differentiates between autonomous and controlled forms of motivation. The theory has been applied to predict behavior and inform behavior change in many contexts including: education, health care, work organizations, parenting, and sport (as well as many others).
Deci is also Director of the Monhegan Museum in Monhegan, Maine.
