Effects of goal-setting and feedback on memory performance and beliefs among older and younger adults

This research examined the impact of goal-setting conditions on memory beli efs and performance among older and younger adults. After baseline recall a nd assessment of beliefs. participants were assigned to goal-setting, goals plus feedback, or control. Then, additional recall trials were followed by repeated memory beliefs assessments. For both younger and older adults, pe rformance. motivation, and self-efficacy were affected positively by goal-s etting. The impact of goals plus feedback was mixed and varied as a functio n of age and dependent measure. Success rates for reaching memory goals, wh ich were low for the older adults, may have been a factor in these results. Adults' self-set recall goals were predicted initially by baseline perform ance and self-efficacy. On the final trial, goals were predicted by last tr ial performance, self-efficacy, and control beliefs.