Which list correctly names the three components of motivation?

• A. Autonomy, Competence, Relatedness
• B. Autonomy, Amotivation, External Regulation
• C. Intrinsic Motivation, Integrated Regulation, Identified Regulation
• D. Autonomy, Amotivation, Intrinsic Motivation

Answer: (A)

The three basic psychological needs being tested are Autonomy, Competence, and Relatedness. Autonomy is the sense that you’re choosing and directing your own actions. Competence is feeling effective and capable in what you do. Relatedness is feeling connected to and cared for by others. These needs are universal drivers of motivation; when they’re satisfied, people tend to internalize motivation and engage more fully with activities.

The other options mix different ideas: some list types of motivation or regulatory forms rather than the fundamental needs, and one includes Amotivation, which is the absence of motivation. So they don’t name the three core needs, making Autonomy, Competence, and Relatedness the correct trio.