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The effect of priming learning vs. performance goals on a complex task

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  • Chen, Xiao
  • Latham, Gary P.

Abstract

This research examined the effect of priming a learning goal, a performance goal, and both a learning and a performance goal on a task requiring the acquisition of knowledge. A photograph of Rodin’s “The Thinker” primed a learning goal, and a photograph of a racer primed a performance goal, as measured by a projective test. A laboratory experiment (n=88) involving a 2 (a primed learning goal vs. control)×2 (a primed performance goal vs. control)×3 (trials) repeated measures factorial design revealed a significant main effect for only the primed learning goal. The results are interpreted within two frameworks, namely, goal setting theory and the automaticity model.

Suggested Citation

  • Chen, Xiao & Latham, Gary P., 2014. "The effect of priming learning vs. performance goals on a complex task," Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, Elsevier, vol. 125(2), pages 88-97.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jobhdp:v:125:y:2014:i:2:p:88-97
    DOI: 10.1016/j.obhdp.2014.06.004
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Shantz, Amanda & Latham, Gary P., 2009. "An exploratory field experiment of the effect of subconscious and conscious goals on employee performance," Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, Elsevier, vol. 109(1), pages 9-17, May.
    2. Alison Abbott, 2013. "Disputed results a fresh blow for social psychology," Nature, Nature, vol. 497(7447), pages 16-16, May.
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    Cited by:

    1. Kanfer, Ruth & Chen, Gilad, 2016. "Motivation in organizational behavior: History, advances and prospects," Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, Elsevier, vol. 136(C), pages 6-19.
    2. David Clingingsmith & Will Drover & Scott Shane, 2023. "Examining the outcomes of entrepreneur pitch training: an exploratory field study," Small Business Economics, Springer, vol. 60(3), pages 947-974, March.
    3. Giessner, Steffen R. & Stam, Daan & Kerschreiter, Rudolf & Verboon, Danny & Salama, Ibrahim, 2020. "Goal-setting reloaded: The influence of minimal and maximal goal standards on task satisfaction and goal striving after performance feedback," Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, Elsevier, vol. 161(C), pages 228-241.
    4. Sitzmann, Traci & Bell, Bradford S., 2017. "The dynamic effects of subconscious goal pursuit on resource allocation, task performance, and goal abandonment," Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, Elsevier, vol. 138(C), pages 1-14.
    5. Andrejkow, Joanna & Berger, Leslie & Guo, Lan, 2022. "Conscious and nonconscious goal pursuit in multidimensional tasks," Accounting, Organizations and Society, Elsevier, vol. 103(C).

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