Goal-Setting and Task Persistence

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Abstract
Goal-setting as an effective technique for improving performance has been determined but its value in increasing persistence at practicing a task when unlimited practice time and alternative activities are available has yet to be established. 28 subjects were placed in a goal-setting or a control group. They were allowed to make as many attempts as they wanted to learn a complicated photoelectric mirror maze. The group provided with short- and long-term goals persisted longer at the task than the control group.