Final answer:
Expectancy theory is the motivation framework suggesting that individuals are motivated by the desirability of outcomes and the perceived probabilities of achieving them, influenced by their sense of self-efficacy and social motives. A strong belief in personal capabilities often leads to higher motivation towards challenging tasks.
Step-by-step explanation:
Theory of Motivation
The theory that holds that motivation is a function of how much we want something and how likely we think we are to get it is a) Expectancy theory. Expectancy theory posits that an individual's motivation to pursue a certain course of action is influenced by their expectations about the outcome and their perceived ability to actualize the outcome, known as self-efficacy. For example, if an individual believes they are capable of achieving high marks in a class and also values the outcome of receiving such marks, they are likely to be motivated to put in the effort required to attain that goal. This motivation is closely related to the belief in one's capabilities, which can be affected by previous achievements and the difficulty of the task at hand.
Moreover, social motives such as the need for achievement, affiliation, and intimacy contribute to an individual's motivational drive. These social motives interact with personal beliefs and the assessment of outcome expectations, which is the core of Expectancy theory. Self-efficacy, the belief in our own ability, significantly influences motivation, aligning closely with Expectancy theory's framework that highlights the importance of expected outcomes and an individual's belief in their ability to achieve those outcomes.