Learn about Vroom’s Expectancy Theory of Motivation and how to apply its principles to enhance your own motivation in various aspects of your lives.

Take this motivation quiz that corresponds with the motivational theory.

Then watch the video to understand the 3 elements of Victor Vroom’s expectancy theory and how they relate to your motivation.

Look back on your scores and consider the following questions with your project’s goal in mind. See if you can enhance your motivation in each of the 3 parts of Vroom’s theory. (You can also do this for any project or goal that you are a part of currently.)

Write your answers down on a sheet of paper.

1. Expectancy:

• What steps can you take to become more confident in your abilities to achieve your goals? Do you need training, more information, or just a little more time to practice?
• Brainstorm strategies to increase expectancy (e.g., better study habits, seeking help from teachers, using effective study materials).
  2. Instrumentality:
• How can you make sure that your performance leads to the desired outcome?
• Revisit your goals for the future and make sure that your hard work now is something that will make a difference for that future goal.                                                                                                       3. Valence:

• What rewards or outcomes are most meaningful to you?
• Think about personal stories or future aspirations that underline why achieving these goals matters. Write a few sentences reinforcing the value of your goals and how achieving them will impact your future.

On the path share your motivation level and create a plan to apply Vroom’s theory to boost your motivation.

Outline specific, actionable steps you can take to improve each component (expectancy, instrumentality, and valence) for your project and academic goals.

Click here to return to the Project in Motion Unit.