An examination of individual differences in the relation of subjective goal difficulty to performance in a goal-setting model

A laboratory study investigated individual differences in the role of subje ctive goal difficulty as a mediating variable in a goal-setting framework. A moderate or difficult anagram goal was assigned to participants based on individual task ability level. For individuals receiving a difficult goal 3 mediating relations and 1 moderator were found. For individuals receiving only moderately difficult goals, only I mediating relation was supported. R esults are discussed with respect to goal-setting theory.