Which of the following statements is true regarding goal-setting theory?

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BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

The question asks which statement about goal-setting theory is true, so I will evaluate each option and explain why it is correct or incorrect before revealing the overall truth.
Option 1: 'Goal commitment is more likely when individuals have an external locus of control.' This claim conflicts with goal-setting literature, which generally finds that internal factors (such as personal motivation and self-efficacy) tend to strengthen commitment, whereas an external locus of control is often associated with relying on others or external rewards rather than persisting toward personal goals. Therefore, this option is not supported.
Option 2: 'Assigned goals generate greater goal commitment in low rather than high power-distance cultures.' The idea mixes two concepts: goal-setting theory emphasizes the motivational effect of clear, challenging goals and feedback, while cultural dimensions like power distance relate to authority and hierarchy. The research on culturally contingent goal commitment is nuanced, but this sweeping statement overgeneralizes and is not a widely supported conclusion of goal-setting theory. Thus this option is dubious and not considered true within the standard theory.
Option 3: 'Externally generated feedback is more powerful than self-generated feedback' Goal-setting theory underscores the importance of feedback for learning and adjustment, but it does not claim that feedback generated by others is consistently more powerful than feedback generated by the individual. In fact, self-generated feedback (self-monitoring and reflection) is a core mechanism that sustains effort and direction. Therefore this option is incorrect as a general claim.
Option 4: 'Generalized goals produce a higher level of output than specific goals.' This contradicts a large body of evidence in goal-setting theory, which shows that specific, challenging goals tend to produce higher performance and clearer direction than vague, generalized goals. Hence this option is false.
Option 5: 'People do better when they get feedback on how well they are progressing toward their goals.' This aligns with standard goal-setting theory, which identifies specific, challenging goals and regular feedback on progress as critical for improving performance. Feedback helps individuals adjust effort, strategies, and persistence to stay aligned with the goal, making this option true.
In summary, options 1–4 propose ideas that diverge from core principles or established findings of goal-setting theory, whereas option 5 accurately reflects the role of feedback in enhancing performance toward goals. The reasoning shows why each incorrect option falls short and why the correct statement captures the theory’s emphasis on feedback in goal pursuit.

Which of the following statements is true regarding goal-setting theory?

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