Time-dependency effects of goals and norms: The role of cognitive processing on motivational models

Abstract

The role of primacy and recency effects of assigned goals and externally presented performance norms was examined within a goal framework. The authors hypothesized that assigned goals and normative information concerning others' performance would influence self-efficacy expectations, personal goals, and performance through a primacy vs recency mechanism. To test this mechanism, the authors introduced a 1-wk delay between goal assignment, or external norm presentation, and the assessment of the outcome variables during a laboratory study in which 174 college students performed an arithmetic skills task. Support was found for a recency interpretation of goal effects on self-efficacy expectations, personal goals, and performance. The further role of cognitive processing in goal setting is discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)