spacer image
Research in Industrial-Organizational Psychology
Back to the HomePage                Research Reports in Consumer Behavior Psychology HomeCSU Home

Consumer-Industrial Research Program
View research conducted by CSU faculty/students:
Attitudes at Work
Cross-Culture Issues
Discrimination in the Workplace
Diversity in the Workplace
Job Descriptions / Job Analysis
Motivation / Goal-Setting
Performance Appraisal
Personality in the Workplace
Recruitment and Selection
Research Methods / Measurement Issues
Retaliation for Unfair Events
Training
Mailing Address
Cleveland State University
College of Science
Psychology Dept
2121 Euclid Avenue
CB 168
Cleveland, OH 44115-2214
 
Campus Location
Chester Building 158
2300 Chester Ave. 
Phone: 216.687.2574

Content Contact
Dr. Michael Horvath


Motivation / Goal-Setting

The Distinctiveness of Goal Orientations at Multiple Levels of Specificity

  • Presented at the 2009 conference of the Academy of Management. Also, we are currently revising the manuscript to submit for publication
  • Authors: M. Horvath, H. Herleman, A. Schroeder, B. Slade, & P. Chan
  • For more information, contact: Mike Horvath

Abstract: This study used factor analytic and multilevel modeling techniques to examine the construct and predictive distinctiveness of Goal Orientation (GO) variables measured at multiple levels (i.e., a general measure, a work-specific measure, and multiple class-specific measures). Using a sample of 339 undergraduate students, we showed that all of the various GO measures were distinct from each other, although there was a tendency for there to be less distinctiveness in Performance-Approach measures across levels. Furthermore, using a subsample of the participants (who responded regarding at least four classes), we found that class-specific as well as general GO predicted multiple outcomes, and interacted with other class-specific variables in predicting outcomes. Limitations and directions for future research are discussed.

The Salience of Normative Information in Goal Orientation Effects

  • Ongoing research
  • Authors: Mike Horvath, and many undergraduate and graduate students
  • For more information, contact: Mike Horvath

Abstract: We are currently investigating the interplay between normative information and goal orientation on task learning and performance. Right now, we are developing and validating a novel task that will be used in future experiments. 

Goal Orientation, Task Difficulty, and Task Interest: A Multilevel Analysis

  • Published in 2006 in Motivation and Emotion
  • Authors: M. Horvath, H. A. Herleman, & R. L. McKie
  • For more information, contact: Mike Horvath
Abstract: We studied whether goal orientation affects the relationships that task difficulty and interest have with self-set goals. Using a sample of 499 undergraduate students who listed grade goals for their classes, we employed Hierarchical Linear Modeling to explain differences in the extent to which difficulty and interest related to goals. Higher goals were set for more interesting and easier classes, and for individuals higher in mastery goal orientation and for those lower in performance-avoidance orientation (at average levels of interest and difficulty). Furthermore, performance-approach and performance-avoidance orientations reduced and strengthened (respectively) the effects of task difficulty on self-set goals, and the buffering effect of mastery orientation was marginally significant.
 
This page last modified Wednesday, 25-Jan-12 08:17:07