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Related Experiment Videos

Achievement goals and optimal motivation: testing multiple goal models.

K E Barron1, J M Harackiewicz

  • 1Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, USA.

Journal of Personality and Social Psychology
|May 26, 2001
PubMed
Summary

The debate on achievement goals continues, but research shows both mastery and performance goals can be beneficial for motivation. This study supports the multiple goal perspective, suggesting a balanced approach is optimal.

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Area of Science:

  • Educational Psychology
  • Motivation Theory

Background:

  • Ongoing debate regarding the efficacy of mastery versus performance goals in fostering motivation.
  • Contrasting theoretical perspectives: mastery goal proponents emphasize adaptive outcomes, while multiple goal theorists highlight benefits of both goal types.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the origins of the achievement goal debate.
  • To critically evaluate the mastery versus multiple goal perspectives.
  • To empirically test the benefits of different achievement goals.

Main Methods:

  • Study 1: Correlational design to identify optimal adopted goals for a learning activity in college students.
  • Study 2: Experimental design to determine optimal assigned goals for the same learning activity.

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Main Results:

  • Both correlational and experimental studies indicated benefits associated with both mastery and performance goals.
  • Findings provide empirical support for the multiple goal perspective.

Conclusions:

  • The multiple goal perspective, which integrates both mastery and performance goals, offers a more comprehensive understanding of optimal motivation.
  • Educational interventions may benefit from considering the synergistic effects of different achievement goal structures.