Locke'S 14 Key Findings Flashcards
Locke's 14 Key Findings fro Motivation Through Conscious Goal Setting (24 cards)
What do difficult goals lead to?
Higher levels of achievement, provided the individual has sufficient ability and commitment.
What effect do specific goals have on performance regulation?
They enable more precise regulation of performance by reducing ambiguity and variance.
What type of goals lead to the highest performance?
Goals that are both specific and difficult.
When is goal commitment most critical?
When goals are both specific and difficult.
What two factors increase commitment to goals?
Believing the goal is important and believing it is attainable (or that progress is possible).
What does self-efficacy influence in the goal-setting process?
It affects goal difficulty acceptance, commitment, response to setbacks, and choice of strategies.
When is goal-setting most effective in improving performance?
When it is accompanied by feedback showing progress toward the goal.
What mediates the effect of feedback on future performance?
Self-efficacy and goal-setting mediate how people respond to past performance feedback.
What three motivational mechanisms are influenced by goals?
Direction of action, intensity of effort, and persistence over time.
How do goals affect planning?
Goals stimulate the creation and use of plans, especially when they are specific and difficult.
When are people least effective at discovering strategies for complex tasks?
When they lack experience, face high performance pressure, and are under time pressure.
What do goals and self-efficacy mediate in motivation?
The effects of personality traits and external incentives on performance.
Can goal-setting mechanisms be self-initiated or trained?
Yes, individuals can develop and apply goal-setting for self-regulation with or without formal training.
How do goals affect self-satisfaction?
Goals act as standards; harder goals require greater accomplishment to feel satisfied.
What type of goals lead to higher performance according to Locke (1996)?
Specific and difficult goals lead to higher performance than vague or easy goals.
Why are specific goals more effective than vague ones?
Because they clearly define what needs to be achieved, focusing attention and effort.
How do difficult goals affect performance?
They increase effort, persistence, and motivation—leading to better performance, as long as the goal is accepted.
What is necessary for a person to be motivated by a goal?
Goal commitment—the person must be willing to pursue the goal and believe it is achievable.
What factors increase goal commitment?
Seeing the goal as important and having high self-efficacy (belief in one’s ability to achieve it).
How does feedback enhance goal performance?
Feedback allows individuals to track their progress and adjust behaviour to stay aligned with the goal.
How does task complexity influence goal setting?
For complex tasks, goals should be broken into subgoals, and sufficient time and resources should be provided.
Is it always necessary for people to participate in setting their own goals?
No. Participation can enhance commitment, but assigned goals can be equally effective if commitment is present.
What are the four mechanisms by which goals affect performance?
Goals direct attention, mobilise effort, increase persistence, and encourage strategy development.
What is the role of self-efficacy in goal setting?
High self-efficacy increases goal commitment and the likelihood of achieving challenging goals.
