EFFECTS OF GOAL TYPE ON PERFORMANCE, TASK INTEREST, AND AFFECT OVER TIMER

The purpose of this study was to increase understanding regarding the effects of goal-setting practices on a wide range of dependent variabl es over time. Goal type (Control group, quality goal, quantity goal, a nd dual goal) was manipulated across 3 time periods. Goal x Time inter actions were predicted such that quantity, effort, task interest, and positive affect would initially be low, but by later trials would be h igher in the quantity and dual-goal conditions compared to the quality goal and control groups. Quality was expected to be greatest in the q uality goal condition and to be relatively constant over time. Partici pants (N = 80) were undergraduates at a large midwestern university. R esults indicated some support for our hypotheses in that Goal x Time i nteractions were found for quantity produced, rated effort, task inter est, and positive affect.