Expectancy X Value

 Goals, Goals, Goals & Performance

   

   The expectancy value theory is a motivation theory that focuses on how a person believes they will perform on a specific activity and why believe it is worth doing so. It also addresses motivation and attainment of goals within specific areas. In this theory, value can be described as things such as: Interest, reasons, goals, utility value, and coast and benefit. In addition to this, when goals are being used as values, they are aiding in providing direction and energy toward the values motivation. 

    With this in mind, there are also two specific types of goals that are important for this theory and that includes, mastery goals and performance goals. Mastery goals are goals that are linked with intrinsic motivation and aims to develop competence. Also, mastery goals are not focused on reasoning for wanting to master the aim of the motivation. Performance goals are often connected to extrinsic motivation and the reward or goal itself it typically directed at external approval or a sense of winning. This goal process does however actually demonstrate competence. Additionally, research shows that mastery goals are often associated with positive outcomes while performance goals are mixed with positive and negative. 

    This then leads into the concept of Achievement Goal Theory, which focuses on approach and avoidant methods. Specifically, there is mastery approach and avoidance, as well as performance approach and avoidance. Both of these provide the direction in which motivation will move. When utilizing mastery approach, the person will find themselves mastering the content or skill needed, while in contrast mastery avoidance is demonstrated when the user wishes to not show incompetence and will instead choose to maintain the skill level they have. Therefore, performance approach emphasizes on performing better than others, while performance avoidance aims to not perform worse than those around them. 

    Throughout the show a flashback scene occurs and focuses on Azula and Zuko as children. In this scene Azula is being praised for her fire bending talent and skill in comparison to her brother who is said to be lacking. Azula is ecstatic that she is perceived as the better child and mocks Zuko for his lack of skill. In addition to this, Azula continues to mock her brother about his inferior skill from the first episode she appears in. This is because she demonstrates her ability to conjure lightening which is seen as a unique and highly valuable ability to have as a fire bender. In fact, it is stated that not every fire bender can produce lighting. 

    With these theories in mind, Azula has an expectancy value theory that is driven by the value of being the best at everything she does and making her father proud of her. This value shows us the direction in which her motivation is focused. Azula can be seen as someone who is performance motivated, as well as shows traits of using performance approach and avoidance given the circumstances. In the scenes listed above she is primarily demonstrating her performance motivation. 

    However, at the end of the series Azula demonstrates her performance avoidance. This takes place during the final battle that occurs between her, Zuko, and Katara. This scene portrays Azula and Zuko fighting for the crown in a royal battle. While Azula knows she is the better bender she loses the fight because of performance avoidance. She is so distracted by her need to not be seen as inferior to her brother that is cost her the battle. While Azula is primarily driven by performance approach, she shows her moments of performance avoidance also, which demonstrates the Achievement Goal Theory.