This dissertation implements self-determination theory to examine learning environments conducive to student motivation in higher education. Specifically, this work is concerned with measuring the satisfaction and frustration of students' three basic psychological needs (BPNs), the need for autonomy, relatedness, and competence (ARC). To do so, this study collected data across two semesters from university students enrolled in an introductory communication course taught via three different modalities, in-person, synchronously online, and asynchronously online. These students completed 24 items designed to measure BPN satisfaction and frustration in higher education (BPNSFS-Higher Education). The present study then tested various measurement models to investigate the best model structure and modeling technique to operationalize students' ARC satisfaction and frustration across the three modalities. The final model selected was a bifactor exploratory structural equation model (B-ESEM) with one global need fulfillment factor and six orthogonal ARC satisfaction x frustration specific factors. In comparing the modalities, the present study found that global need fulfillment and relatedness satisfaction were lower in asynchronous online courses compared to their synchronous online and in-person counterparts; however, students in asynchronous online sections had higher autonomy and competence satisfaction than those in synchronous online sections. The B-ESEM structure of the BPNSFS-Higher Education items was then transitioned into a full structural model predicting student achievement in the introductory communication course. In general, competence and autonomy satisfaction were strong positive predictors of student achievement, whereas competence frustration was consistently a strong negative predictor. This dissertation then concludes with the practical implications of these findings for educators and researchers interested in exploring students' BPN satisfaction and frustration in higher education. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]