Expectation Theory
Expectation Theory, also known as Expectancy Theory, is a motivational concept developed by Victor Vroom in 1964. This theory posits that individuals make choices based on their expectations of the outcomes of their actions. It suggests that people are motivated to behave in ways that they believe will lead to desired results.
The theory is built on three key components:
Expectancy: The belief that one’s effort will result in the desired performance.
Instrumentality: The belief that if one performs well, a valued outcome will come as a result.
Valence: The importance that an individual places on the expected outcome.
In educational settings, Expectation Theory can be applied to understand student motivation. For instance, if a student believes that studying hard (effort) will lead to good grades (performance), and good grades will result in a desired career (outcome), they are more likely to be motivated to study. Educators can leverage this theory by clearly communicating the link between effort, performance, and outcomes, and by ensuring that the outcomes are valued by the students.