Goal Setting as a Motivator for Student Performance: Evidence from Lab Experiments

Authors

  • Sudipta Roy University of St. Francis
  • Bibhas Saha Durham University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33423/jhetp.v19i3.2123

Keywords:

Higher Education, Goal Setting, Motivator, Student Performance

Abstract

Can goal-setting motivate college-level students to improve their performance? We report the results of a two-stage study designed to test the effects of performance-based versus action-based goals. We find that performance-based goals are not significantly motivating but action-based goals are. Our equation specifications capture the dynamic interaction between goal setting, attainment, and revision as students are permitted to revise their targets through the semester. We find that the performance trajectory of attainers is different from that of non-attainers. Whether targets were revised, and in which direction, also seems to matter. Our findings have implications for goal-setting interventions targeted towards atrisk students.

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Published

2019-07-18

How to Cite

Roy, S., & Saha, B. (2019). Goal Setting as a Motivator for Student Performance: Evidence from Lab Experiments. Journal of Higher Education Theory and Practice, 19(3). https://doi.org/10.33423/jhetp.v19i3.2123

Issue

Section

Articles