Why Calvin has this Pattern

The self-determination theory that explores intrinsic and extrinsic motivation has had a major impact on Calvin's motivational patterns. Autonomy is one of the basic psychological needs that needs to be met for intrinsic motivation to flourish. Calvin has developed his pattern of intrinsic motivation through his own will to learn about the world on his own. For example, in Figure 1 of Calvin learning outside of school, he shows that he has the most intrinsic motivation when he is fulfilling his need to be adventurous and learn about things around him. This is Calvin showing that the traditional classroom way of learning is not the most effective way of teaching him. He shows us that he tends to shut down when he has no choice in his academic learning. Another example of Calvin's need to be autonomous is Figure 2 when he is in the classroom and criticizes the school system for not preparing him for the outside world.

Calvin possesses extrinsic motivation due to the fact that he desires to be rewarded by his father for good grades. Even though Calvin is not necessarily interested or passionate about getting great grades, receiving a sum of money per grade or getting a new computer (as seen in Figure 3) overshadows the fact that it is not enjoyable, and makes the task worthwhile in order to obtain the reward. Since his father does not agree to the offer to pay Calvin for good grades or buy a new computer, Calvin does not study for his test or show any interest in his homework, thus proving that Calvin would possess (extrinsic) motivation if he were to receive rewards. Calvin's psychological needs are not being met through feeling competent or belonging to a group. Mrs. Wormwood's criticism makes him feel insecure about his intelligence and the other students in his class won't accept him for who he is.