Using Expectancy-Value Theory to predict intent to conform in elementary school students

The present study sought to examine the relevance of expectancy-value theory in predicting conformity in elementary school students. Measures of self-expectancy and value for five different domains (academic, sports, dating, misbehavior, and following trends) were used to predict intended conformity to friend group norms. Regression analysis was used to measure the strength of the relationship in each domain. Results indicate that the expectancy-value model explained more variance in intent to conform than did general conformity in certain domains, and results varied by gender of participant.