Final answer:
According to expectancy theory, expectancy option (a) is a person's perception of the likelihood that their efforts will result in successful performance.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to expectancy theory, option (a) is a person's perception of the probability that effort will lead to successful performance. This concept is deeply rooted in the theory of motivation and addresses how individual motivation to complete a task is influenced by a belief in one's own abilities to achieve the desired outcome. The term self-efficacy is closely related and is an individual's belief in their own capability to complete a task, which plays a pivotal role in motivating behavior and setting future goals. Albert Bandura is a notable figure in the psychological study of self-efficacy. Expectancy is essential because it can determine whether a person decides to engage in a behavior or task based on their assessment of whether their efforts will result in success.