According to Vroom's expectancy theory, which of the following best describes how motivation is determined?

• A. Motivation is based on the unconscious drives and conflicts within the individual.
• B. Motivation is a direct result of external rewards and punishments, without consideration of personal expectations.
• C. Motivation is solely determined by physiological arousal and the subsequent interpretation of that arousal.
• D. Motivation is the result of an individual's expectation that effort will lead to performance and that performance will lead to desired outcomes.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand that Vroom's Expectancy Theory focuses on motivation as a cognitive process where individuals make conscious choices based on expected outcomes.
2. Step 2: Identify the three key components of the theory: Expectancy (belief that effort leads to performance), Instrumentality (belief that performance leads to outcomes), and Valence (value placed on the outcomes).
3. Step 3: Recognize that motivation is calculated by combining these components, often expressed as: \(Motivation = Expectancy \times Instrumentality \times Valence\).
4. Step 4: Analyze how an individual's motivation increases when they believe their effort will improve performance, and that this performance will result in valued rewards.
5. Step 5: Conclude that motivation according to Vroom is not about unconscious drives, external rewards alone, or physiological arousal, but about the individual's expectations linking effort, performance, and outcomes.