The process of expending energy to achieve or avoid a particular outcome is generally referred to as:

A) motivation.
B) symbolism.
C) hedonism.
D) adaptation.

The definition provided in the question fits the definition of motivation, which is the process that initiates, guides, and maintains goal-oriented behaviors. Symbolism relates to the use of symbols or signs to represent something else, hedonism refers to the pursuit of pleasure and avoidance of pain, and adaptation refers to the process of changing to better suit a particular environment or situation.