Goal Setting as a Motivator for Student Performance: Evidence from Lab Experiments

Saha, B.; Roy, S.

Abstract

Can goal-setting motivate college-level students to improve their performance? We report the results of a two-stage study designed to test the effects of performance-based versus action-based goals. We find that performance-based goals are not significantly motivating but action-based goals are. Our equation specifications capture the dynamic interaction between goal setting, attainment, and revision as students are permitted to revise their targets through the semester. We find that the performance trajectory of attainers is different from that of non-attainers. Whether targets were revised, and in which direction, also seems to matter. Our findings have implications goal-setting interventions targeted towards at-risk students.

Citation

Saha, B., & Roy, S. (2019). Goal Setting as a Motivator for Student Performance: Evidence from Lab Experiments. Journal of Higher Education Theory and Practice, 19(3), 153-165

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Apr 14, 2019
• Publication Date: Jan 1, 2019
• Deposit Date: May 1, 2019
• Publicly Available Date: Jul 30, 2019
• Journal: Journal of Higher Education Theory and Practice
• Print ISSN: 2158-3595
• Publisher: North American Business Press
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 19
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 153-165
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1303022
• Publisher URL: http://www.na-businesspress.com/jhetpopen.html