Analyzing Goal-Striving Processes and a Test of the Generalizability of Perceptual Control Theory

Theories that articulate dynamic processes are relatively rare, but methods for testing the theories are even rarer. This study illustrates two methods for examining goal-striving processes and a tool for collecting dynamic data. The first method tests a hypothesis regarding what variable the participants are attempting to maintain. The second method involves creating multilevel models used to describe the dynamic data generated by study participants, which can be used to test between- and within-subject manipulations or differences. The tool is a research simulation of a manager's role in scheduling subordinates in a hospital wing. Together these methods and the tool are used to test the generalizability of perceptual control theory in explaining striving for cognitive goals. The results confirm the viability of a control theory accounting of goal striving and highlight the potential of the methods and the research tool in future research. Copyright 2000 Academic Press.