Expectancy Theories: A Calvin Case Study
Theory at work:
Example: Imagine a high school teacher who wants to motivate their students to perform well in their studies and excel in their final exams.
Consider a student named Alex who is motivated to excel academically. Alex believes that studying diligently (expectancy) will result in good grades (instrumentality), and these grades are highly important to him because they lead to scholarships, recognition, and future career opportunities (valence). This motivation drives Alex to put in the necessary effort to perform well in school.
They can apply the Expectancy theory as follows:the teacher can create a motivating learning environment where students believe that their efforts will lead to academic success, that good performance will result in valuable outcomes, and that the rewards are aligned with their individual aspirations and goals.
Expectancy Theory in Short:
Expectancy Theory: is a psychological theory of motivation that explains how an individual will act or behave in a certain way because they are motivated to select a specific behavior. Over others due to what they expect the result of that selected behavior will be. Expectancy theory is composed of three components: Expectancy (effort), Instrumentality (performance), and valence (reward) and they all work together to motivate people.
Expectancy theory is based on three theories:
- Attribution Theory: Attribution theory is one of the foundational components of expectancy theory. It deals with how individuals attribute their own successes and failures to various factors. In the context of expectancy theory, people assess whether their effort will lead to successful performance based on how they attribute their past successes or failures.
-Mindset Theory: Mindset theory distinguishes between a fixed mindset and a growth mindset. Those with a fixed mindset believe that their abilities and intelligence are static, while those with a growth mindset believe that they can develop and improve through effort and learning.
- Self-Efficacy Theory : In the context of expectancy theory, self-efficacy plays a crucial role in determining whether an individual believes they can successfully perform a particular behavior.
In addition to these theories, it's important to know that Expectancy Theory also recognizes that individuals have different levels of motivation and valence for various outcomes. Some individuals may highly value monetary rewards, while others may prioritize recognition, job satisfaction, or personal growth. Thus, the theory allows for a personalized approach to motivation, acknowledging that not all individuals are motivated by the same outcomes or factors.
Overall, Expectancy theory provides a comprehensive framework for understanding and influencing motivation by considering how individuals assess the relationship between effort, performance, and outcomes, and how their beliefs and attitudes impact their motivation to engage in specific behaviors.
