The Development and Motivational Function of Expectations

Abstract

Researchers have assessed either the development of expectations or the motivational function of expectations, and often have attempted to relate their findings to the other half of the expectation—performance relationship. This study was designed to investigate simultaneously the development of and the motivational function of expectations. Fourth, sixth, and eighth grade students studied a word learning task and were tested on 3 consecutive days. Expectancy statements were made by half the subjects. Results concerning the development of expectations seemingly contradict previous research, but the contradiction was explained in terms of complexity of the task. Expectations were found to be motivational.