Identified Regulation

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tags: - colorclass/self-determination theory ---### Identified Regulation

Identified Regulation is a type of extrinsic motivation described in Organismic Integration Theory (OIT), a sub-theory of Self-Determination Theory (SDT) developed by Edward L. Deci and Richard M. Ryan. Identified regulation occurs when individuals consciously value a goal or behavior, recognizing it as personally important and aligning it with their own values and beliefs. This form of regulation is more autonomous and self-determined than other forms of extrinsic motivation, such as Introjected Regulation.

Key Aspects

1. Definition: Identified regulation refers to the process where individuals identify with the value of a behavior or goal, accepting it as their own and engaging in the behavior willingly because it is seen as personally important and meaningful.

2. Characteristics: - Personal Endorsement: Individuals accept and endorse the behavior or goal as personally significant. - Conscious Valuing: The behavior is aligned with one’s personal values and goals, even if the activity itself is not inherently enjoyable. - Autonomous Motivation: Actions are taken out of personal choice and volition, not due to external pressures or obligations.

3. Examples: - A student studies hard because they value education and recognize its importance for their future career. - An employee works on a challenging project because they see it as a valuable opportunity for personal and professional growth. - An individual exercises regularly because they understand and appreciate the health benefits.

Mechanisms

1. Autonomy and Self-Determination: - Identified regulation enhances autonomy as individuals engage in behaviors that are congruent with their personal goals and values.

2. Internalization Process: - The behavior or goal is internalized and recognized as valuable, moving closer to intrinsic motivation on the self-determination continuum.

Theoretical Framework

1. Motivational Continuum: - In the SDT framework, identified regulation is more self-determined than external and introjected regulation but less so than integrated and intrinsic motivation: - External Regulation: Behavior is driven by external rewards or punishments. - Introjected Regulation: Behavior is driven by internal pressures. - Identified Regulation: Behavior is aligned with personal goals and values. - Integrated Regulation: Behavior is fully assimilated with the self. - Intrinsic Motivation: Behavior is engaged in for its inherent enjoyment and satisfaction.

2. Autonomy Spectrum: - Identified regulation is positioned towards the more autonomous end of the spectrum, indicating a higher degree of self-determination.

Experimental Evidence

1. Deci, Eghrari, Patrick, and Leone (1994): - Experiment: Tested the effects of autonomy support on internalization. - Results: Participants who received autonomy support showed greater identification with and integration of the activity compared to those in controlling conditions.

2. Williams, Grow, Freedman, Ryan, and Deci (1996): - Study: Investigated autonomous motivation in health behaviors. - Results: Patients with identified regulation for health behaviors (e.g., understanding the importance of exercise) were more likely to maintain these behaviors over time.

3. Vansteenkiste, Simons, Lens, Sheldon, and Deci (2004): - Study: Examined students’ motivation for learning. - Results: Found that identified regulation was associated with higher quality learning, deeper engagement, and better academic performance.

Mathematical Formalization

To formalize identified regulation, consider a model that captures the degree of internalization and personal endorsement:

1. Motivational Continuum: - Let $M$ represent the level of motivation, ranging from $M_{am}$ (amotivation) to $M_{in}$ (intrinsic motivation), with intermediate levels representing various forms of extrinsic motivation ($M_{ex}$).

2. Internalization Process: - The probability of internalizing an external regulation $E$ into identified regulation $I$ can be modeled as:

$$P(I\mid E)=f(A,C,R)$$

where $A$, $C$, and $R$ represent the satisfaction of autonomy, competence, and relatedness needs, respectively, and $f$ is a function reflecting the internalization process.

3. Degree of Self-Determination: - The degree of self-determination $D$ associated with a behavior can be expressed as a weighted sum of its regulatory components:

$$D=w_{ex}{M}_{ex}+w_{id}{M}_{id}$$

where $w_{ex}$ and $w_{id}$ are weights representing the extent to which behavior is extrinsically regulated or identified, respectively.

Implications

1. Education: - Teaching Practices: Educators should focus on helping students see the personal relevance and value of their learning activities, fostering identified regulation.

2. Workplace: - Management Practices: Employers should communicate the importance and personal relevance of tasks and projects, helping employees internalize organizational goals.

3. Healthcare: - Patient Motivation: Healthcare providers should emphasize the personal health benefits of behaviors to promote identified regulation and long-term adherence.

Related Concepts

- Organismic Integration Theory - Self-Determination Theory - Intrinsic Motivation - Extrinsic Motivation - Introjected Regulation - Integrated Regulation - Cognitive Evaluation Theory

Understanding identified regulation is crucial for designing interventions and environments that support the internalization of motivations, leading to more autonomous and self-determined behaviors across various domains, such as education, work, and health.