Deci and Ryan (1985, 2001) have proposed that there are three fundamental needs that are required for human growth and fulfillment: relatedness, autonomy, and competence. Susan predicts that students who have these needs met in their psychology class feel happier and more satisfied with the class. She collects data and finds that students who feel more related and competent do feel happier but that feeling more autonomous does not seem to matter. Susan thinks that maybe autonomy is only necessary when people are in situations in which they are not being evaluated.
After Susan collects and analyzes her data, which of the following is the next logical step?
A)Susan writes a paper challenging Self-Determination Theory because only some of her data supported it.
B)Susan ignores the data that did not fit the theory.
C)Susan recalculates her data to fit the theory.
D)Susan alters or amends the theory to fit her data.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Susan's next logical step would be to consider how her findings fit into the broader context of Self-Determination Theory, potentially leading to an adjustment or refinement of the theory based on her data. This approach is consistent with the scientific method, where theories are adapted based on new evidence.

Deci and Ryan (1985, 2001) Have Proposed That There Are