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Expectancy-Value Theory

Written by the Fiveable Content Team โ€ข Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examโ€ขWritten by the Fiveable Content Team โ€ข Last updated September 2025

Definition

Expectancy-Value Theory is a psychological theory that explains how individuals make decisions and engage in behaviors based on two factors: their expectation of success and the value they place on the outcome. It suggests that motivation is influenced by the belief that effort will lead to desired outcomes and the subjective importance or worth of those outcomes.

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