Effects of valence, expectancies, and goal-performance discrepancies in single and multiple goal environments

Abstract

This study was designed to investigate the effects of goal–performance discrepancies, valences, and expectancies on tasks extending through three goal–performance–feedback cycles in both single and multiple goal environments. Results demonstrated a different role for expectancies and valence in multiple as compared with single goal environments. Valence and expectancies had a minimal influence on responses to feedback in the single goal condition, although discrepancies predicted the dependent variables. In the multiple goal condition, however, valence and expectancies, as well as discrepancies, strongly affected goal priority and resource allocation. The implications of these findings for goal setting, control theory, and motivational processes in general are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)