Goal-setting Flashcards
(20 cards)
What is a goal?
The object of an aim or action; attaining a specific standard of proficiency on a task within a specified time limit.
What is the difference between subjective and objective goals?
Subjective goals are general statements of intent (e.g., having fun), while objective goals involve attaining specific standards within a set time.
What are the three types of goals?
Outcome goals, performance goals, and process goals.
What do outcome goals focus on?
Competitive results and are dependent on the opponent’s performance.
What is a potential downside of outcome goals?
They can increase anxiety before or during competition if overemphasized.
What do performance goals focus on?
Achieving standards based on one’s previous performances.
What do process goals focus on?
Actions an individual must engage in during performance.
Why are performance and process goals useful?
They are more precise and less dependent on others’ behavior; useful for adjusting performance in practice and competition.
What does SMART stand for in goal setting?
Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Timely.
Name one benefit of goal setting.
It directs attention to important elements of the skill being performed.
Why did early research on goal setting show inconsistent results?
Due to methodological issues like participants setting their own goals or ignoring pre-set goals, and competition skewing results.
What percentage of studies show moderate to strong effects of goal setting?
80% of studies.
In which areas does goal setting work particularly well?
In sport and physical activity.
What factors maximize the effects of goal setting?
Planning, achievement strategies, rewards, and feedback.
What is the direct mechanistic view of how goals influence performance?
Goals influence performance in four ways:
- Direct attention to important elements of the skill
- Mobilize efforts
- Prolong persistence
- Foster development of new learning strategies
What is the indirect thought-process view of goal setting?
It suggests that goals influence performance by affecting psychological factors.
Name four psychological factors affected by goal setting in the indirect thought-process view.
- Lowered anxiety
- Greater confidence
- Improved self-regulation
- Better coping with failure
How does goal setting indirectly lead to better performance?
By increasing confidence, which then helps improve performance.
According to the diagram, what are the steps from setting a goal to performing better?
- Set goal →
- Increases confidence →
- Leads to better performance →
- Reinforces further goal setting
Why is confidence a key part of the indirect thought-process model?
Because it mediates the effect of goal setting on performance improvement.
