Expectancy–Value Theory (EVT)

Goals

1. Describe EVT in one line.
2. Skillfully apply EVT to
   • Diagnose motivation problems (find root causes)
   • Grow (improve) you own motivations
   • Guide others such that they improve their motivation

What?

Essence

• The job of EVT is to equip actors (people and groups) to improve motivation.

• EVT says motivation = f(expectancy × value). If either goes to ~0, motivation collapses.

• EVT was developed by multiple researchers: Lewin (1930s-1940s, foundational) → Vroom (1964, explicit expectancy theory) → Eccles (1980s, expectancy-value model applied to achievement and education)

Concepts

• Expectancy (E): Your belief that effort will lead to successful performance on this task now.

  • Plain: “If I try, I can do this.”
  • Levers: skills, tools, time, clear steps, feedback quality, past wins.

• Value (V): Your belief that the task is worth doing.

  • Four common components:
    • Attainment (fits identity/standards)
    • Utility (useful for near/far goals)
    • Intrinsic (enjoyment/interest/curiosity)
    • Cost (–) (time, stress, risk, opportunity loss)

Motivation

Motivation is the internal drive that directs and energizes goal-oriented actions. It exists on a continuum, ranging from strong avoidance or lack of motivation to strong engagement and pursuit of goals.

EVT Multiplicative Logic:

Motivation ∝ E × (Attainment + Utility + Intrinsic – Cost).
- If E ≈ 0 → no start.
- If V ≈ 0 (or Cost ≫ benefits) → no start.
- Small lifts in the lower factor produce the biggest gains.

Why (WIFM)

• Increase motivation.
  
• Boost positive affect (feel better while working).
  
• Accomplish more—especially high-value things.
  
• Diagnose why motivation is lower than desired.
  
• Improve motivation with small, easy steps.
  
• Build durable motivation that lasts.
  
• Troubleshoot and fix procrastination.

How (Quick Protocol)

Step 1 — Name the Task

• Write the next concrete action (2–10 minutes). Example: “Draft 3 bullet points for the intro.”

Step 2 — Rate E and V (0–10)

• E: “How confident am I I’ll succeed this round?”
  
• V: “How worthwhile is this round?” (consider attainment, utility, intrinsic, and cost)

Step 3 — Pick the Lower Factor

• If E < V → raise Expectancy first.
  
• If V < E → raise Value first.

Step 4 — Apply a Small Lever (choose 1–2)

• Raise Expectancy
  • • Shrink the task scope (2–10 minute micro-win).
  • • Add a proven recipe/checklist/example.
  • • Pair up / get coaching / request just-in-time feedback.
  • • Preload resources (open files, data ready, environment set).
  • • Do a guaranteed start (90-second action).
• Raise Value
  • • Attainment: Link to “who I am/becoming.” Write a one-line identity reason.
  • • Utility: Name the concrete payoff this week.
  • • Intrinsic: Add one fun/curious element; gamify time box.
  • • Cost: Remove a friction point; cap session to 10–20 minutes; schedule a reward.

Step 5 — Run a 10–20 Minute Sprint

• Start timer. Do only the defined micro-task. Capture obstacles for next iteration.

Step 6 — Reflect & Update E/V

• Record: result, obstacle, next smallest step, new E and V scores.

Decision Guide (If/Then)

• If you’re saying “I don’t know how to start” → E lever: reduce scope + example.
• If you’re saying “Why bother?” → V lever: write 1 sentence for Utility and Attainment.
• If you’re saying “This is scary/overwhelming” → Cost lever: shorten session; safe practice.
• If you’re saying “I’ll do it later” → Intrinsic lever: add curiosity or social element.

Examples (Worked)

• Studying Python unit tests
  • E=3 (never used pytest), V=7 (useful for work), Cost high (confusion)
  • Levers: watch 5-min example → copy a passing test → edit 1 assert → 15-min sprint
  • Outcome: E rises to 6; next step: add one parametrized test.
• Writing a newsletter paragraph
  • E=7 (can write), V=4 (why now?), Cost medium
  • Levers: Utility → “This publishes Thursday and brings leads.” Intrinsic → try a story hook.
  • Outcome: V goes to 7; write one 100-word draft in 12 minutes.
• Strength training at home
  • E=5, V=5, Cost high (time)
  • Levers: Cost → 8-minute routine; Attainment → “I am the kind of person who keeps promises to my body.”
  • Outcome: E=6, V=7; do 8 minutes; log reps.

Fast Worksheets

EVT Card (fill in before you start)

• Task (2–10 min):
  
• E (0–10):
  
• V (0–10):
  
• Lower factor: E or V
  
• Lever(s) I’ll use (max 2):
  
• Sprint length: 10–20 min
  
• Result & next micro-step:

Value Mini-Prompts (pick one)

• Attainment: “Doing this proves I’m someone who __________.”
• Utility: “This helps me achieve __________ by (date).”
• Intrinsic: “I’m curious about __________; I’ll explore it for 10 min.”
• Cost: “I’ll remove this friction: __________.”

Teaching & Coaching with EVT

• • Start every session with each learner’s E and V numbers for the next micro-task.
• • If E is low, model the first 90 seconds; provide a scaffold/checklist; ensure a quick success.
• • If V is low, connect task to personal goals; give choice; reduce Cost; add small autonomy.
• • Give process-focused feedback that raises E: “Your checklist caught the bug; repeat that move.”
• • Celebrate identity-consistent wins to raise Attainment value.

Common Pitfalls & Fixes

• Pitfall: Over-sized tasks.
  • Fix: 10-minute version first; define “done.”
• Pitfall: Vague payoffs.
  • Fix: Write a one-sentence Utility; schedule the payoff.
• Pitfall: Ignoring Cost.
  • Fix: Shorten, simplify, reduce context switches, pre-stage tools.
• Pitfall: Adding fun without competence.
  • Fix: Pair Intrinsic with a concrete scaffold to protect E.

Mini TwFs (Tasks with Feedback)

• Task: Choose a current project. Define a 10-minute micro-task. Rate E and V.
  • Feedback: If either score < 5, apply one lever, rerate, and log the change.
• Task: Teach EVT to a peer in 3 minutes using one example.
  • Feedback: Peer restates E and V in their own words and identifies their lower factor.
• Task: Run three daily EVT sprints for a week.
  • Feedback: Plot E and V vs. completion; note which levers moved which factor.

Glossary (Short)

• Expectancy: Credible belief in near-term success on a specific task.
  
• Value: Net worthwhileness of the task (attainment + utility + intrinsic – cost).
  
• Cost: Time, effort, emotion, risk, or lost alternatives that reduce net value.
  
• Lever: A small, low-effort change that raises E or V.

Summary

• EVT equips actors to understand, predict, and enhance motivation and behavior by managing the two drivers—Expectancy (“I can”) and Value (“I want”)—and by removing Cost so the next small step is both doable and worthwhile.