Psychometric approaches in self-determination theory: meaning and measurement

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Abstract

The valid measurement of psychological constructs is an essential and necessary component of research within self-determination theory (SDT). Without effective scales and psychometric practices, the meaning and knowledge contributed by any given study is severely undermined. This chapter discusses various psychometric approaches that have been applied to examine multidimensional constructs within SDT, such as basic psychological needs, motivational regulation types, and sources of autonomy support. The chapter covers both traditional and contemporary approaches including confirmatory and exploratory factor analysis as we all as higher-order and bifactor models. Several directions for further attention are discussed, notably the benefits to SDT that can be seen from publicly available data of published studies.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationThe Oxford Handbook of Self-Determination Theory
EditorsRichard M. Ryan
Place of PublicationNew York NY USA
PublisherOxford University Press, USA
Chapter22
Pages438-454
Number of pages17
Edition1st
ISBN (Electronic)9780197600078
ISBN (Print)9780197600047
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2023

Keywords

  • bifactor
  • exploratory structural equation modeling
  • psychometrics
  • Relative Autonomy Index
  • self-determination

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