Lay conceptions of norm-based approach and avoidance motivation: Implications for the performance-approach and...

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Motivation Science

Background:

• Performance-approach and performance-avoidance goals are distinct but often positively correlated.
• Lay conceptions of motivation can influence the relationship between these goals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine how lay conceptions of approach and avoidance motivation moderate the correlation between performance-approach and performance-avoidance goals.
• To investigate whether viewing approach and avoidance motivation as different impacts goal adoption.

Main Methods:

• Two studies (N=281, N=990) assessed participants' conceptions of norm-based approach and avoidance motivation.
• Study 2 experimentally manipulated lay conceptions of motivation.

Main Results:

• Individuals viewing approach and avoidance motivation as different showed a weaker correlation between performance goals.
• Those who saw approach and avoidance as the same adopted fewer performance-based goals.
• Experimental manipulation confirmed that highlighting differences between approach and avoidance drove these effects.

Conclusions:

• Lay conceptions of motivation significantly moderate the relationship between performance-approach and performance-avoidance goals.
• Attending to lay beliefs about motivation and ability is crucial for understanding goal correlations.