The effect of goal setting on ability-performance relations during practice on a computersied pursuit tracking task

摘要

The study examined a theory proposed by Ackerman (1988) which predicts a dyncmia pattern of ability-performance relations during the learning of consistent and moderately complex perceptual motor tasks. The theory is particularly relevant for explaining the development of automatisation at computerised tasks. In the present investigation, one group of aprticipants were given a specific and difficult performance goal while another group was simply told to "do your best". All participants were then given 32 trials on a computerised pursuit tracing task, with performance scores on this task then correlated with ability scores. It was expected that the goal-setting amnipulation would disrupt the normal pattern of ability-performance correaltions. Although some group differences were found, overall the results failed to support A ckerman's theory. Thus, Ackerman's model may be theoretically unmderdeveloped and further investigation, including consideration of the effect of goal setting, is required to fully understand the relationship between abilities and performance on computaerised tasks.