Applying the Cognitive Evaluation Theory

 “People are scared of things that are different.” – Edward Scissorhands

Blog Post #2

Cognitive Evaluation Theory 

Today I will be covering how CET applies to Edward Scissorhands. However, before I apply the theory to the actions of the main character in the film, I have to explain what the theory states. CET is a sub-theory inside the broader Self-Determination Theory and focuses on external and internal motivation. Furthermore, it describes what requirements must be met for someone to become intrinsically motivated, which is more effective in pushing an individual to achieve a task. The three aspects that a person must feel to illicit internal motivation are Autonomy, meaning the belief they control their own actions, competence, meaning they feel they have the capability to achieve their task, lastly relatedness, meaning they feel that they have a group in their environment supporting them and their actions will strengthen their connection to them.

Relatedness

While relatedness was the last of the three I mentioned, I feel it is the ideal place to start the analysis because Edward's most motivating goals in the movie come from improving his connection to others. The first is to become accepted by the suburbanites whose town he finds himself. The way that Edward goes about this is to use his natural cutting abilities to become helpful to the people of the town. He landscapes sculpts, and hairdresses resulting in the beautification of the town. This leads to the townspeople becoming fond of Edward, until later in the film when his reputation becomes tarnished because of things outside his control, and Edward feeling that he is becoming more engrained and loved. This is especially impactful to him, given the time he was forced to be in isolation in his castle. The second goal Edward has in the movie is to achieve a romantic connection with Kim, his love interest in the film. The two actions in the movie motivated by this internal desire are when he attempts to break into the house and get her the keys to a van and when he carves her an ice sculpture in her image. As a whole, this section can be summarized by Edward's response to the question of what his favorite part of being in the town has been. His response, the friends he has made.

Competence

Throughout the movie, it is assumed that Edward understands that he is very competent in using his scissors artistically. Yet, the constant positive reinforcement he receives from the townspeople confirms his belief. Another point that works in Edward's favor is that he seems almost oblivious to the fact that he is socially incompetent, clearly stemming from his lack of experience. So, while others might shy away from social interactions, understanding that it is not their strong suit, Edward openly mingles during the cookout and always has dinner with the Boggs family.

Autonomy

Autonomy is central to the story of Edward. The fact that he is autonomous is what makes him so special, given that he is not a normal human and, in fact, was created by a scientist. Throughout the movie, he does everything of his own volition. I believe that his autonomy is most on display during the film's climax, where he ends up in a physical altercation with Jim and kills him. The motivator behind this action was not that Kim instructed Edward to protect her, but rather his own internal feelings for her created that reaction. Another example is when he saves Kevin from getting run over by a quickly approaching car. Only an autonomous being with clearly defined moral goals and motivators would be able to react so swiftly.