ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the focus is on contextualising an established psychological theory and applying it to the doctoral or postdoctoral context. Self-Determination Theory’s (SDT) three strands – autonomy, competence and relatedness – will be examined in greater detail, particularly in relation to developing researcher independence. In this connection, the stages of competence development, the complementary roles of the formal and the hidden curricula and the notion of interdependence will be highlighted. Using Benjiro’s vignette, the practical application of SDT will be elucidated – prompting the readers to reflect on how lessons from SDT could be applied to their own context.
