Analyzing goal-striving processes and a test of the generalizability of perceptual control theory

Theories that articulate dynamic processes are relatively rare, but methods for testing the theories are even rarer. This study illustrates two method s for examining goal-striving processes and a tool for collecting dynamic d ata. The first method tests a hypothesis regarding what variable the partic ipants are attempting to maintain, The second method involves creating mult ilevel models used to describe the dynamic data generated by study particip ants, which can be used to test between- and within-subject manipulations o r differences, The tool is a research simulation of a manager's role in sch eduling subordinates in a hospital wing. Together these methods and the too l are used to test the generalizability of perceptual control theory in exp laining striving for cognitive goals, The results confirm the viability of a control theory accounting of goal striving and highlight the potential of the methods and the research tool in future research. (C) 2000 Academic Pr ess.