Cognitive evaluation theory

Cognitive evaluation theory (CET) is a theory in psychology that is designed to explain the effects of external consequences on internal motivation. Specifically, CET is a sub-theory of self-determination theory that focuses on competence and autonomy while examining how intrinsic motivation is affected by external forces in a process known as motivational "crowding out." CET uses three propositions to explain how consequences affect internal motivation: External events set will impact intrinsic motivation for optimally challenging activities to the extent that they influence perceived competence, within the context of self-determination theory.

Source: Wikipedia — Cognitive evaluation theory (CC BY-SA 4.0)