Expectancy-value theory in academics posits that motivation is based on

Expectancy-value theory in academics posits that motivation is based on

• A. Motivation is based on expectancy of success and value of the outcome.
• B. Motivation depends only on past grades.
• C. Motivation is determined by innate ability.
• D. Motivation is unaffected by perceived value.

Answer: (A)

Motivation in academics comes from how likely a student thinks they are to succeed and how much they value the outcome. If someone believes they can do well (high expectancy) and they care about the result (high value), they’re more inclined to invest effort, persist, and take on challenging tasks. When either part is weak, motivation drops. For example, a student who expects to earn a good grade and values that achievement will be motivated to study, whereas believing success is unlikely or not caring about the grade reduces motivation. The other options don’t fit because motivation isn’t determined solely by past grades, nor by innate ability, and it isn’t independent of how much the outcome is valued—the theory specifically links motivation to expectancy and value.

Motivation in academics comes from how likely a student thinks they are to succeed and how much they value the outcome. If someone believes they can do well (high expectancy) and they care about the result (high value), they’re more inclined to invest effort, persist, and take on challenging tasks. When either part is weak, motivation drops. For example, a student who expects to earn a good grade and values that achievement will be motivated to study, whereas believing success is unlikely or not caring about the grade reduces motivation. The other options don’t fit because motivation isn’t determined solely by past grades, nor by innate ability, and it isn’t independent of how much the outcome is valued—the theory specifically links motivation to expectancy and value.