Expectancy Value Theory

(Allan Wigfield & Jacquelynne S. Eccles)

The Expectancy Value Theory presents...

that individuals’ choice, persistence, and performance can be explained by their beliefs about how well they will do on the activity (beliefs on ability), the probability of success (expectancy) and the extent to which they value the activity (task value)

~Atkinson, 1957; Eccles et al., 1983; Wigfield, 1994; Wigfield & Eccles, 1992.

Simply put, CHOICES are assumed to be influenced by both and task characteristics. Choices are coupled with costs associated with them precisely because one choice often eliminates other options.

THUS, EXPECTANCY & VALUE of various options are key determinants of choice.

EXPECTANCY, ABILITY BELIEFS & TASK VALUEas defined by the theorists

• is the individuals’ beliefs about how well they will do on upcoming tasks (short term or Long term future).

Expectancy

• Is the individuals’ evaluations of their competence in different areas.

Beliefs about ability

• The importance and use of the task at hand...

Task Value

4 Constructs of Task ValuesA

ttain

men

t valu

e

The personal importance of doing well on the task (Battle,1966).

Confirms or disconfirms one’s salient aspects of self-schema (aspect of one’s ideal self) ~Markus & Wurf, 1987.

Intr

insi

c valu

e

Is the enjoyment the individual gets from the task performing the activity or the subjective interest the individual has in the subject.

Similar to intrinsic motivation ~ Harter (1981) & by Deci and his colleagues (e.g., Deci & Ryan 1985)

Uti

lity v

alu

e

Determined by how well a task relates to current and future goals (internalized short- and long-term goals)Captures the more “extrinsic” reasons for engaging in a task.

Cost

A critical component of value. The sacrifice we exchange for the task.

Conceptualized in terms of the negative aspects of engaging in the task.

Simplifying EVT:

Expectancies ValuesPerformance, Persistence, &

Task choice

Expectancies and Task beliefs

performance, persistence, and task choice

Affects how we perceive other peoples’ attitudes and expectations for them, affective memories, and their own

interpretations of their previous achievement outcomes

Socializer’s behavior and beliefs, Cultural milieu and unique historical events

Diagram of the EVT:

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