Question at position 16 Researcher Edwin Locke found that individuals who set specific, difficult (i.e., “stretch”) goals performed better than those who set general, easy goals.TrueFalse

Question

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

When evaluating statements about Locke's goal-setting theory, it helps to recall the core finding and its intended nuance.
Option 1: 'True' — This aligns with Locke and Latham's empirical work, which showed that specific and challenging (stretch) goals lead to higher performance than vague or easy goals, provided feedback and ability are adequate. The mechanism involves directing attention, mobilizing effort, increasing persistence, and promoting strategic, task-focused behaviors. 
Option 2: 'False' — This would claim that specific, difficult goals do not improve performance relative to easy ones, which contradicts the foundational results of goal-setting research. A common misconception here is to assume that difficulty always demotivates or that specificity has little impact, but the literature consistently demonstrates the opposite under appropriate conditions. 
To further distinguish the choices, consider the boundary conditions: the effectiveness of stretch goals depends on factors like feedback, task complexity, and individual capability. Absent these, the simple dichotomy may seem less clear, but the core conclusion remains that specific, challenging goals tend to enhance performance more than ambiguous or easy goals when accompanied by feedback and capability. 
Additionally, some might confuse this with a false generalization that any difficult goal will always improve outcomes; however, the established finding is conditional, emphasizing specificity and challenge rather than general difficulty alone. Still, the central takeaway supports the truth of the statement in most standard contexts studied by Locke and his collaborators.

Question at position 16 Researcher Edwin Locke found that individuals who set specific, difficult (i.e., “stretch”) goals performed better than those who set general, easy goals.TrueFalse

View Explanation

Log in for full answers

Similar Questions

Small goals make your overall goal seem manageable and easier to accomplish.

Research has found that writing about one's goals leads to:

Setting a goal to win a championship is an example of what type of goal?

A group of friends all share the same goal of earning an A on their final exam. Based on research on goal-setting, who is most likely to achieve this goal?

Which of the following is true?

I set specific goals before I begin a task.

Goal setting theory says that_________ goals are best.

These are all benefits of committed goal pursuit EXCEPT:

More Practical Tools for Students Powered by AI Study Helper

Homework AI Solver

Stylized AI Paper Writer

Plagiarism Checker Assistant

Citation AI Academic Writing Tool

In-Class Translation Assistant

AI Note Generator

AI Quiz Answers

Past Exam Questions from University Test Bank

Smart Practice Assistant

Adaptive Practice

Making Your Study Simpler