Highlighting the difference between approach and avoidance motivation enhances the predictive validity of performance-avoidance goal reports

Abstract

This research investigated whether highlighting the difference between norm-based approach and avoidance motivation impacts performance goal reporting accuracy. Participants were randomly assigned to receive no instructions, or reading materials indicating that norm-based approach and avoidance motivation are the same (Same condition) or different (Different condition). In Study 1 (N = 978), experimental condition was tested as a moderator of the relation between antecedent variables and performance goal reports. In Study 2 (N = 957), experimental condition was tested as a moderator of the predictive utility of performance goal reports. Both studies showed that while relations with performance-approach goals remained unaffected, experimental condition moderated the relation between performance-avoidance goal reports and their antecedent variables (Study 1), and their process and outcome variables (Study 2). The strongest associations (the most accurate goal reports) came from the different condition. Highlighting the difference between approach and avoidance enhanced the predictive validity of performance-avoidance goal reports. Implications for understanding and measuring achievement goals are discussed.