The Concept of Intrinsic Motivation: Implications for Practice and Research with the Learning Disabled

Abstract

Many children and youth with learning disabilities manifest behavior problems in addition to various learning disorders. Historically, the major focus in the learning disability field has been on behavior modification while largely ignoring the construct of intrinsic motivation. A basic assumption of intrinsic motivation is the student's innate need for feeling competent and self-determining. Adelman reviews the basic constructs underlying intrinsic motivation and discusses their implications for assessment, intervention, and research activities in learning disabilities.