In this cloze test based on workplace psychology, the sentence "Job performance is ______ by a number of factors." requires you to choose the most appropriate word to complete the meaning correctly.

Introduction / Context:
This question is part of a cloze test passage about job performance, motivation, ability, and anxiety. In such passages, each blank must be filled with a word that fits both the immediate sentence and the overall meaning of the paragraph. The specific sentence here is "Job performance is ______ by a number of factors." You must choose a word that correctly conveys the idea that various factors have an impact on job performance.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- The sentence is "Job performance is ______ by a number of factors."
- The options are "affected", "effected", "influenced", and "measured".
- The wider passage discusses how motivation, ability, technology, and anxiety relate to performance.
- The required word should express the idea that these factors have an influence on job performance.

Concept / Approach:
The phrase "is affected by" is a common English collocation that means "is influenced by" or "is impacted by". "Effected" is usually used as a verb meaning "brought about", not as a passive verb in this structure. "Influenced" could also fit the meaning but does not align as naturally with the exact phrasing of the rest of the passage. "Measured" would change the meaning to evaluating performance, not describing its dependence on other factors. Therefore, we must select the word that creates a correct and natural passive structure.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Understand that the sentence explains how various factors have an impact on job performance. Step 2: Consider "affected". The phrase "is affected by" means "is influenced or impacted by", which fits the context. Step 3: Consider "effected". The structure "is effected by" is awkward; "effect" as a verb means to bring something about, but is not generally used in this passive form here. Step 4: Consider "influenced". While "is influenced by" is grammatically correct and close in meaning, the original standardized expression in many such passages is "is affected by". Step 5: Consider "measured". "Is measured by a number of factors" changes the sense to evaluation, which does not match the ideas of motivation and ability modifying performance.

Verification / Alternative check:
Reading the rest of the passage, we see statements about motivation alone not leading to performance, and ability and technology moderating the relationship. This supports the idea that various factors, including motivation and ability, have an impact on job performance. The fixed expression "Job performance is affected by a number of factors" clearly communicates this and is commonly used in management and psychology texts. The alternative "influenced" is possible in isolation but is slightly less standard for this specific exam passage.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
"Effected" is wrong because it normally means "brought about" and does not fit comfortably into the passive pattern "is effected by" in this context. "Influenced" is close in meaning but the passage and common collocations strongly favour "affected". "Measured" is wrong because it suggests assessing performance numerically, which is not the intended meaning of the sentence about underlying factors.

Common Pitfalls:
A common trap is confusion between "affect" and "effect". "Affect" is usually a verb meaning to influence, while "effect" is mainly a noun meaning result, or more rarely a verb meaning to bring about. In passive constructions like "is affected by", the correct choice is the past participle of "affect". Learning the difference between these two words prevents many mistakes not only in exams but also in academic and professional writing.

Final Answer:
The correct word to complete the sentence is affected, giving "Job performance is affected by a number of factors."