What are the core elements of expectancy theory?

• A. Effort, Performance, Valence
• B. Effort, Performance, Equity
• C. Valence, Instrumentality, Expectancy
• D. Effort, Ability, Valence

Answer: (A)

Expectancy theory says motivation comes from three beliefs: expectancy, instrumentality, and valence. Expectancy is the belief that effort will lead to better performance. Instrumentality is the belief that good performance will lead to valued outcomes. Valence is the value the person places on those outcomes. When all three beliefs are present and aligned, motivation is strongest, and the level of effort you’re willing to invest rises.

Among the options, the one that matches these three beliefs—expectancy, instrumentality, and valence—is the correct way to capture the theory. The listed terms in that option map directly to the theory’s core ideas: expectancy (effort → performance), instrumentality (performance → outcomes), and valence (value of outcomes). The other set mixes or omits one of the elements, so it doesn’t fully reflect how the theory explains why people are motivated. For a practical example in a criminal justice context, if an officer believes extra training will improve performance, believes that better performance will earn a promotion, and highly values that promotion, they’re most motivated to engage in the training.