Final answer:
The prospect of free dessert is most likely to motivate Dr. Tooley to attend a boring meeting according to incentive theory, as it provides an external reward that aligns with her interests.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to incentive theory, individuals are motivated to perform activities by external rewards or incentives. Given that Dr. Tooley has a preference for desserts but not for football, the most likely motivation for her to attend a meeting that she finds boring is the prospect of free dessert. This is because the enjoyment of desserts would serve as an external reward, potentially making the task of attending the meeting more appealing.
In contrast, a football game during the meeting (which she doesn't enjoy), completing paperwork later without any specific incentive, or watching a movie (which is not described as a preferred activity or linked to the meeting) are less likely to motivate her according to this theory. Incentive theory often relates to the concept of extrinsic motivation, where behavior is driven by external rewards, in contrast to intrinsic motivation, where behavior is driven by personal satisfaction and enjoyment without the need for external rewards.