Cognitive Evaluation Theory is a theory in Psychology that is designed to explain the effects of external consequences on internal motivation. Cognitive Evaluation Theory theory suggests that there are two motivation systems; intrinsic and extrinsic which correspond to two kinds of motivators.

Cognitive theories of motivation rely on your thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes to explain your motivation. CDT indicates that people’s beliefs affect their behavior. Simply put, if we believe one thing, then we are motivated to act in a way that fits with the belief; to be consistent.

Cognitive evaluation theory is a precursor of self-determination theory and centers on the distinction between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation (Deci, 1975& Vansteenkiste, Lens, & Deci, 2006). In some instances, however, these extrinsic rewards do not compromise the intrinsic motivation of individuals.

“CET was presented by Deci and Ryan (1985) as a subtheory within SDT that had the aim of specifying factors that explain variability in intrinsic motivation. CET is framed in terms of social and environmental factors that facilitate versus undermine intrinsic motivation ….” (Ryan and Deci, 2000: 70).

Extrinsic vs. Intrinsic Motivation

Extrinsic motivation is reward-driven behavior. It’s a type of operant conditioning. Being paid to do a job is an example of extrinsic motivation. You may enjoy spending your day doing something other than work, but you’re motivated to go to work because you need a paycheck to pay your bills.

Extrinsic motivation refers to external factors such as money, grades or fame that motivate or make one individual behave in a specific way or complete certain tasks. For example, an extrinsic motivation for applying to a job is the wage or money related to it.