Expectancy-value theory

Definition

Expectancy-value theory is a psychological framework that explains how individuals' beliefs about their abilities and the value they place on a task influence their motivation to engage in that task. It suggests that motivation is determined by the expectancy of success and the subjective value assigned to the outcome, indicating that students are more likely to be motivated when they believe they can succeed and find the task worthwhile.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Expectancy-value theory posits that motivation is a product of two main components: expectancy (belief in success) and value (importance of the task).
2. Higher levels of self-efficacy can lead to increased expectancy, making students more likely to engage with challenging tasks.
3. Value can be influenced by factors such as personal interests, perceived relevance of the task, and anticipated outcomes.
4. Students who find value in their learning experiences are more likely to persevere through difficulties and maintain motivation.
5. Expectancy-value theory emphasizes the role of teachers in shaping students' expectancies and values through supportive feedback and relevant learning experiences.

Review Questions

• How does expectancy-value theory explain the motivation of students when facing challenging tasks?
  • Expectancy-value theory explains that students are motivated to tackle challenging tasks when they believe they can succeed (expectancy) and see the task as valuable or important (value). If students have high expectations of success, they are more likely to put in effort and persist through difficulties. Conversely, if they doubt their abilities or see little worth in the task, their motivation may wane, leading them to disengage.
• In what ways can educators utilize expectancy-value theory to enhance student motivation in the classroom?
  • Educators can enhance student motivation by fostering a sense of self-efficacy through encouragement and support, thereby increasing students' expectancy of success. Additionally, teachers can make lessons relevant by connecting the content to students' interests and future goals, increasing the perceived value of tasks. By creating an environment where students feel capable and see importance in what they are learning, educators can significantly boost motivation levels.
• Evaluate how expectancy-value theory could inform interventions aimed at increasing student engagement among underperforming learners.
  • Interventions informed by expectancy-value theory could target both the expectancies and values of underperforming learners. For instance, programs could focus on building self-efficacy through skill-building workshops or mentorship that enhances confidence in academic abilities. Simultaneously, these interventions could aim to increase the perceived value of learning by linking academic content to real-world applications or student interests. By addressing both components, such interventions could create a more motivating educational experience, potentially leading to improved engagement and performance.

Related terms

Self-efficacy: The belief in one's ability to succeed in specific situations or accomplish a task, which can influence motivation and performance.

Intrinsic motivation: The drive to engage in an activity for its own sake and the inherent satisfaction derived from the activity, rather than for external rewards.

Goal orientation: The reasons or motivations that drive individuals to set and pursue goals, which can be influenced by their beliefs about success and value.