The effect of goal setting on ability-performance relations during practice on a computerised pursuit tracking task

Abstract

The study examined a theory proposed by Ackerman (1988) which predicts a dynamic pattern of ability-performance relations during the learning of consistent and moderately complex perceptual motor tasks. The theory is particularly relevant for explaining the development of automatisation at computerised tasks. In the present investigation, one group of participants were given a specific and difficult performance goal while another group was simply told to ''do your best''. All participants were then given 32 trials on a computerised pursuit tracking task, with performance scores on this task then correlated with ability scores. It was expected that the goal-setting manipulation would disrupt the normal pattern of ability-performance correlations. Although some group differences were found, overall the results failed to support Ackerman's theory. Thus, Ackerman's model may be theoretically underdeveloped and further investigation, including consideration of the effect of goal setting, is required to fully understand the relationship between abilities and performance on computerised tasks.