Expectancy Theory

Description: Expectancy Theory is a motivational theory that explains how individuals' beliefs about their ability to achieve a goal and the value of that goal influence their motivation to exert effort towards achieving it. This quiz will test your understanding of the key concepts and principles of Expectancy Theory.
Number of Questions: 15
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Tags: expectancy theory motivation goal-setting effort performance
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According to Expectancy Theory, what is the key factor that determines an individual's motivation to exert effort towards a goal?

  1. The value of the goal

  2. The individual's belief in their ability to achieve the goal

  3. The individual's past experiences with similar goals

  4. The individual's personality traits


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Expectancy Theory posits that an individual's motivation to exert effort towards a goal is primarily determined by their belief in their ability to achieve that goal. This belief is known as expectancy.

What is the relationship between expectancy and effort according to Expectancy Theory?

  1. Expectancy is positively related to effort.

  2. Expectancy is negatively related to effort.

  3. Expectancy is not related to effort.

  4. The relationship between expectancy and effort depends on the individual's personality traits.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Expectancy Theory states that individuals are more likely to exert effort towards a goal if they believe that their effort will lead to the successful achievement of that goal. In other words, expectancy is positively related to effort.

What is the relationship between valence and effort according to Expectancy Theory?

  1. Valence is positively related to effort.

  2. Valence is negatively related to effort.

  3. Valence is not related to effort.

  4. The relationship between valence and effort depends on the individual's personality traits.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Expectancy Theory states that individuals are more likely to exert effort towards a goal if they value the outcomes associated with achieving that goal. In other words, valence is positively related to effort.

Which of the following is not a key component of Expectancy Theory?

  1. Expectancy

  2. Valence

  3. Instrumentality

  4. Goal-Setting


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Expectancy Theory consists of three key components: expectancy, valence, and instrumentality. Goal-Setting is not a component of Expectancy Theory.

What is the role of instrumentality in Expectancy Theory?

  1. Instrumentality determines the value of the goal.

  2. Instrumentality determines the individual's belief in their ability to achieve the goal.

  3. Instrumentality determines the relationship between effort and performance.

  4. Instrumentality determines the relationship between performance and outcomes.


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Instrumentality refers to the individual's belief that their effort will lead to the successful achievement of the goal. In other words, instrumentality determines the relationship between effort and performance.

According to Expectancy Theory, what is the most important factor in determining an individual's motivation to exert effort towards a goal?

  1. The value of the goal

  2. The individual's belief in their ability to achieve the goal

  3. The relationship between effort and performance

  4. The relationship between performance and outcomes


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Expectancy Theory posits that the most important factor in determining an individual's motivation to exert effort towards a goal is their belief in their ability to achieve that goal. This belief is known as expectancy.

Which of the following is an example of a high expectancy goal?

  1. Becoming a professional athlete

  2. Getting a promotion at work

  3. Losing 20 pounds in a month

  4. Learning a new language in a week


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

A high expectancy goal is a goal that an individual believes they have a high chance of achieving. Getting a promotion at work is an example of a high expectancy goal for someone who is confident in their abilities and has a track record of success in their career.

Which of the following is an example of a low expectancy goal?

  1. Becoming a professional athlete

  2. Getting a promotion at work

  3. Losing 20 pounds in a month

  4. Learning a new language in a week


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

A low expectancy goal is a goal that an individual believes they have a low chance of achieving. Becoming a professional athlete is an example of a low expectancy goal for someone who has no prior experience in sports or who is not naturally athletic.

Which of the following is an example of a high valence goal?

  1. Winning a lottery

  2. Getting a promotion at work

  3. Losing 20 pounds in a month

  4. Learning a new language in a week


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

A high valence goal is a goal that an individual values highly. Winning a lottery is an example of a high valence goal for someone who dreams of financial freedom and the opportunities it would bring.

Which of the following is an example of a low valence goal?

  1. Winning a lottery

  2. Getting a promotion at work

  3. Losing 20 pounds in a month

  4. Learning a new language in a week


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

A low valence goal is a goal that an individual does not value highly. Losing 20 pounds in a month is an example of a low valence goal for someone who is not concerned about their weight or who does not value the health benefits of weight loss.

Which of the following is an example of a high instrumentality goal?

  1. Getting a promotion at work

  2. Losing 20 pounds in a month

  3. Learning a new language in a week

  4. Becoming a professional athlete


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

A high instrumentality goal is a goal that an individual believes they can achieve through their own effort. Getting a promotion at work is an example of a high instrumentality goal for someone who is confident in their abilities and who believes that their hard work will be rewarded.

Which of the following is an example of a low instrumentality goal?

  1. Getting a promotion at work

  2. Losing 20 pounds in a month

  3. Learning a new language in a week

  4. Becoming a professional athlete


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

A low instrumentality goal is a goal that an individual believes they cannot achieve through their own effort. Becoming a professional athlete is an example of a low instrumentality goal for someone who has no prior experience in sports or who is not naturally athletic.

According to Expectancy Theory, what is the most effective way to increase an individual's motivation to exert effort towards a goal?

  1. Increase the value of the goal.

  2. Increase the individual's belief in their ability to achieve the goal.

  3. Increase the relationship between effort and performance.

  4. Increase the relationship between performance and outcomes.


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Expectancy Theory posits that the most effective way to increase an individual's motivation to exert effort towards a goal is to increase their belief in their ability to achieve that goal. This can be done through providing positive feedback, setting realistic goals, and helping the individual to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to achieve the goal.

Which of the following is a limitation of Expectancy Theory?

  1. Expectancy Theory does not take into account the role of personality traits in motivation.

  2. Expectancy Theory does not take into account the role of situational factors in motivation.

  3. Expectancy Theory does not take into account the role of social factors in motivation.

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Expectancy Theory is a limited theory of motivation in that it does not take into account the role of personality traits, situational factors, and social factors in motivation. These factors can all play a significant role in an individual's motivation to exert effort towards a goal.

Despite its limitations, Expectancy Theory has been widely used in the fields of organizational behavior and educational psychology. What is one reason for this?

  1. Expectancy Theory is easy to understand and apply.

  2. Expectancy Theory has been shown to be an effective predictor of motivation.

  3. Expectancy Theory provides a comprehensive framework for understanding motivation.

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Expectancy Theory is widely used in the fields of organizational behavior and educational psychology because it is easy to understand and apply, it has been shown to be an effective predictor of motivation, and it provides a comprehensive framework for understanding motivation.

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