Citation

Strickland OJ, Galimba M. J. Psychol. 2001; 135(4): 357-367.

Affiliation

Department of Psychology, California State University, Sacramento 95819-6007, USA. ojstrick@csus.edu

Copyright

(Copyright © 2001, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/00223980109603704

PMID

11728059

Abstract

One key to understanding motivated behavior is examining the behavior of individuals as they work on multiple tasks under a time constraint. This article is an exploration of the influence of self-set goals on subsequent resource allocation to different tasks. Participants were given a variety of tasks from which they were to choose how to allocate their time and effort. Results indicated that the use of self-set goals structured the work pattern, with less switching between tasks relative to the work pattern of a group of participants who did not set goals. In addition, those who set goals reported less task-related cognitive interference, indicating that they were not as distracted while they worked. Participants who did not set goals, however, performed at a higher level on some of the tasks. It is suggested that self-set goals may often be chosen at an easily attainable level, creating a structured and focused work environment but not necessarily eliciting the motivational properties typically associated with goal setting.

Language: en