The effects of perceived competence and self-determination on intrinsic motivation were investigated. Perceived competence was manipulated by positive or neative verbal feedback. Self-deterermination was manipulated by "cognitive priming questionnaires" (Porac & Meindl, 1982). The subjects were 54 university students. Each subject was randomly assigned to one condition of a two (perceived competence: positive or negative) × three (self-determination: high, control, or low) design. The results showed a significant correlation between perceived competence and intrinsic motivation, but no correlation when there was no self-determination. These results were discussed in cognitive evaluation theory and self-determination theory.
