The purpose of this study was to replicate Reeve et al., (2023) by applying the newly proposed tripartite model of self-determination theory (SDT to the context of higher education. The study also investigated the validity of the "Three State Questionnaire" (TSQ) as a measurement tool in higher education. The study consisted of 521 first or second-year students from multiple institutions of higher education enrolled in at least one in-person class. Participants completed questionnaires that measured their instructor's motivating style, self-report of psychological need state, and functional outcome. It was hypothesized that the tripartite model of SDT would explain student diminished functioning in the classroom opposed to the dual process model of SDT. Results indicated that data from this study did not converge like the hypothesized model in Reeve et al., (2023). The TSQ also did not converge suggesting that further refinement is needed for it to be a valid tool to measure psychological need state in higher education. Simplified data analysis revealed promising outcomes for both the tripartite model of SDT and the TSQ 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.]