The relationship between self-determination theory–based L2 motivation and L2 achievement: A multilevel meta-analysis

Abstract Over the past decades, self-determination theory (SDT) has been widely applied in second language (L2) motivation research. The present study employed a multilevel meta-analysis to examine the direction and magnitude of the relationship between SDT-based L2 motivation and L2 achievement. We systematically searched ten English databases and pooled the data using random-effects models. A total of 74 eligible studies involving 220 estimates were included in the analyses. The results showed that both intrinsic motivation ( r = .318, p < .001) and extrinsic motivation ( r = .166, p < .001) were significantly and positively correlated with L2 achievement. Two autonomous dimensions of extrinsic motivation—integrated regulation ( r =. 248, p < .001) and identified regulation ( r = .190, p < .001)—were positively related with L2 achievement, whereas controlled dimensions—introjected regulation ( r = .006, p = .866) and external regulation ( r = .010, p = .781)—were not. The aggregated associations between intrinsic/extrinsic motivation and L2 achievement were moderated by learning context and teaching mode. Theoretical and practical implications of this study are discussed.