The Effect of Sequence and Size of Reward on Expectancy

Summary

Most social change theories are based upon the general assumption that increased dissatisfaction will result in certain actions by the dissatisfied. For example, both Davies’ Revolution Theory and Gurr's Relative Deprivation Theory include the development of an awareness of an improved situation as a required condition. However, neither theory discusses how this type of expectancy is formed. The objective of the present study was to identify those variables which influence the formation of this expectancy. Sixty students enrolled at a technical institute in eastern North Carolina served as Ss. The size and sequence of previous rewards were the two independent variables, and future expectancy of reward was the dependent variable. Results indicated that both main effects were significant as was the interaction between size and sequence of reward.