Motivation: cognitive approach/expectancy theory

Question 1

Why were cognitive theories developed?

Answer 1

As a reaction to behavioural views

to emphasis the role of thinking

Question 2

How do cognitive theories view people?

Answer 2

active
curious
searching for knowledge and solutions

Question 3

How does the cognitive approach explain behaviour?

Answer 3

being determined by thinking not rewards
being initiated and regulated by 
- schemas
- attribution
- goals
- plans
- expectations

Question 4

What is expectancy theory?

Answer 4

motivation is the expectation of reaching a goal and the value of that goal

belief that working hard will result in achieving a desired level of task performance

valence - value individuals assign to possible rewards/outcomes

Question 5

Implications of expectancy theory on education

Answer 5

younger children seem to be able to distinguish between ability related beliefs and subjected task value

grading system

• an A should be possible for as many as feasible
• tasks shouldn’t be too easy or too hard

success depends on the students belief in oneself and the values of academic success

Question 6

What does Vroom suggest about expectancy theory?

Answer 6

People choose to behave in a certain way because they are motivated by the results they expect from the choices they make