With expectancy theory of motivation, small relationships with performance are expected. The present study suggests that various components of expectancy theory, which are usually combined in a multiplicative or additive fashion, may have countervailing influences on performance. The opposing effects of the components could cancel each other out. A positive relationship between perceived incentive and arousal was hypothesized, while a negative relationship between task confidence and arousal was hypothesized. Arousal, in turn, is related to performance curvilinearly. 46 undergraduates were provided feedback on a practice test prior to taking a mathematics examination. After examining their incentive, confidence, and arousal, analysis supported both hypotheses.
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