In expectancy-value theory, what are the two core components that determine motivation?

In expectancy-value theory, what are the two core components that determine motivation?

• A. Expectancy (likelihood of success) and value (perceived importance or usefulness of the outcome)
• B. Ability and effort
• C. Risk and reward
• D. Reinforcement history and need

Answer: (A)

Expectancy-value theory says motivation comes from two drivers: expectancy and value. Expectancy is your belief about how likely you are to succeed on a task. Value is how important, useful, or desirable the outcome would be to you. When you feel capable of achieving the goal and you also care about the result, your motivation to act is highest. If you doubt you can succeed, even a worthwhile outcome may not motivate you much; conversely, if you value the outcome but doubt you can achieve it, motivation can still be limited. The other ideas—such as focusing on ability and effort, risk and reward, or reinforcement history and need—don’t capture the specific pair of belief in success and importance of the outcome that expectancy-value theory emphasizes.

Expectancy-value theory says motivation comes from two drivers: expectancy and value. Expectancy is your belief about how likely you are to succeed on a task. Value is how important, useful, or desirable the outcome would be to you. When you feel capable of achieving the goal and you also care about the result, your motivation to act is highest. If you doubt you can succeed, even a worthwhile outcome may not motivate you much; conversely, if you value the outcome but doubt you can achieve it, motivation can still be limited. The other ideas—such as focusing on ability and effort, risk and reward, or reinforcement history and need—don’t capture the specific pair of belief in success and importance of the outcome that expectancy-value theory emphasizes.