The goal concept: A helpful tool for theory development and testing in motivation science.

Abstract

In the present article, I will try to elucidate how relying on the goal concept facilitates the development and testing of theories in the science of motivation. For this purpose, I will focus on those theories whose development I was closely involved with: the selfcompletion theory , the mindset theory of action phases Gollwitzer, 1990), and the theory of if-then planning (Gollwitzer, 1999(Gollwitzer, , 2014. So the focus is not on discussing the many different goal theories that have been developed and tested in the psychology of motivation by addressing the consequences of setting, striving for, and attaining goals of a different kind, or the various self-regulation strategies that have been suggested to help people commit to, pursue, and attain these goals. Rather, I'll try to demonstrate convincingly that the goal concept is a powerful tool when it comes to creating theories that facilitate the understanding of phenomena that are at the center stage in the science of motivation.

Goal Setting and Striving in MOOCs: A Peek Inside the Black Box of Learner Behaviour

“…According to Gollwitzer [1,7] a course of action (i.e. the process of forming an intention to evaluating actual behaviour) is a "temporal and horizontal path" (p. 6), that can be divided into 4 phases: (1) the predecisional phase, (2) the preactional phase, (3) the actional phase and finally the (4) postactional phase (see Fig.…”

“…In the pre-decisional phase, which is about deliberating and weighing the different options an individual might have [1,7], a specific goal is set or in other words a goal intention is formed. Translated to learning in MOOCs this means that a potential MOOC-learner might contemplate whether a MOOC fits his/her needs and wishes for gaining certain knowledge and subsequently decide to enroll.…”

“…The preactional phase is about planning concrete strategies for achieving the set goal. Ideally a MOOC-learner should address issues like when, where and how learning will take place to strengthen the attainment of the specified goal intention and what action to take if something interferes with this initial planning [1,7]. This is particularly important if multiple steps are needed to achieve the desired goal, or if a set goal cannot be reached in the near future [1].…”

“…The rationale is that by formulating if…then questions, anticipating issues that could hinder goal attainment, the chance of reaching the goal will increase. For example, if X happens, then I will perform goal-directed response Z [1,7]. Also, the strength of the goal intention (how determined is someone to reach the intended goal) and the perceived behavioural control (someone's perception of the degree of control (s)he has over performing a behaviour) will have an effect on goal attainment [8,9].…”

“…The actional phase revolves around enacting the strategies which were planned in the preactional phase in pursuit of goal achievement [1,7]. During this phase, various disturbances may be encountered that can delay or even prevent individuals from reaching their goals.…”