The Effect of Broadened Ranges of Expectancy on Satisfaction with Performance
Abstract
The present research investigates the effect that the breadth of expectancies have on satisfaction with performance. Although some scholars have suggested that expectancy should be conceptualized in terms of several plausible estimates of success, past research has operationalized expectancy as a person's single estimate of his or her probability of success. In contrast in the present study expectancies are conceptualized as involving a range of plausible expected outcomes. An experiment was conducted to assess the effect that the breadth of the expectancy range had on satisfaction with performance. It was hypothesized that individuals with a broad range of expectancy would report greater satisfaction with performance than would those with a narrow range of expectancies. To test this hypothesis, 132 subjects responded to expectation and satisfaction measures while performing a bogus trait assessment task. Expectancy ranges and performance outcomes were manipulated by presenting subjects with false feedback scores. Results indicated that the breadth of the expectancy range influenced satisfaction with performance. As predicted, subjects with broad ranges of expectancies reported greater satisfaction with performance than did those with narrow expectancy ranges.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADA197401
Entities
People
- David C. Enders
Organizations
- Pennsylvania State University