Taking control of research on volitional control: challenges for future theory and research

Abstract

The four target articles in this special issue address an important area of research in academic self-regulation theory and research—research on volitional control, especially motivational and emotional control. The articles are discussed in terms of 10 issues that will help to define the future of research on self-regulation and volitional control. The issues are: 1)developing a conceptual foundation and consistent terminology, 2)clarifying self-regulatory structures and processes, 3)mapping out the nomological network, 4)refining measurement instruments, 5)improving research methodology, 6)exploring interactions between the environment and volitional strategies, 7)investigating the acquisition and transfer of volitional strategies, 8)examining developmental differences in volitional strategies, 9)examining individual and cultural differences in volitional strategies, and 10)developing programs to improve volitional strategies.