Expectancy Theory posits that motivation depends on which factors?

Expectancy Theory posits that motivation depends on which factors?

• A. Motivation is driven solely by external rewards.
• B. Motivation depends on expectancy, instrumentality, and valence.
• C. Motivation is unrelated to effort.
• D. Motivation depends only on past performance.

Answer: (B)

Expectancy Theory says motivation comes from three beliefs that together link effort to a valued outcome: expectancy, instrumentality, and valence. Expectancy is the belief that putting in effort will improve performance. Instrumentality is the belief that good performance will lead to a reward or desired outcome. Valence is the value or desirability the individual places on that reward. When all three beliefs are strong, the path from effort to a valued result is clear and appealing, so motivation is high. If any one of these beliefs is weak, motivation drops because the whole chain weakens. The other options miss essential parts: motivation isn’t driven solely by external rewards, it isn’t unrelated to effort, and it isn’t determined only by past performance.

Expectancy Theory says motivation comes from three beliefs that together link effort to a valued outcome: expectancy, instrumentality, and valence. Expectancy is the belief that putting in effort will improve performance. Instrumentality is the belief that good performance will lead to a reward or desired outcome. Valence is the value or desirability the individual places on that reward. When all three beliefs are strong, the path from effort to a valued result is clear and appealing, so motivation is high. If any one of these beliefs is weak, motivation drops because the whole chain weakens. The other options miss essential parts: motivation isn’t driven solely by external rewards, it isn’t unrelated to effort, and it isn’t determined only by past performance.