CSL Goal Setting & Motivation Techniques 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is 'implementation intention' as a goal-setting technique?
- Stating what outcome you want without a plan
- Specifying when, where, and how you will act toward a goal (Correct answer)
- Delegating goal steps to others
- Reflecting on past failures before setting new goals
Correct answer: Specifying when, where, and how you will act toward a goal
Implementation intentions use 'if-then' planning to specify the situational cues that will trigger goal-directed behavior.
Question 2: Which motivational theory distinguishes between 'hygiene factors' and 'motivators' in a work or organizational context?
- Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs
- Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory (Correct answer)
- Vroom's Expectancy Theory
- McClelland's Achievement Theory
Correct answer: Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory
Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory identifies hygiene factors (preventing dissatisfaction) and motivators (driving true satisfaction and engagement).
Question 3: A student leader notices team members are disengaged because they feel their efforts don't lead to rewards. Which theory best explains this?
- Goal Setting Theory
- Vroom's Expectancy Theory (Correct answer)
- Self-Determination Theory
- Attribution Theory
Correct answer: Vroom's Expectancy Theory
Expectancy Theory posits that motivation depends on the belief that effort leads to performance (expectancy) and performance leads to valued outcomes (instrumentality).
Question 4: What is 'goal commitment' and why is it essential in goal setting?
- Writing down a goal so others can see it
- The degree to which a person is dedicated to pursuing a goal despite obstacles (Correct answer)
- Announcing a goal publicly to gain accountability
- Selecting only goals that guarantee success
Correct answer: The degree to which a person is dedicated to pursuing a goal despite obstacles
Goal commitment is the psychological determination to pursue a goal, which is critical because even a well-set goal fails without sustained dedication.
Question 5: In the context of student leadership, what does 'stretch goal' mean?
- A goal that requires minimal effort to achieve
- A goal slightly beyond current capability that inspires significant growth (Correct answer)
- A goal postponed to a future time period
- A goal focused entirely on physical fitness
Correct answer: A goal slightly beyond current capability that inspires significant growth
A stretch goal is ambitious enough to push individuals beyond their comfort zone, fostering innovation and higher performance.
Question 6: Which of the following is a risk of setting goals that are TOO challenging without adequate support?
- Increased creativity and innovation
- Higher long-term motivation
- Burnout, anxiety, and goal abandonment (Correct answer)
- Stronger team cohesion
Correct answer: Burnout, anxiety, and goal abandonment
Goals that far exceed current resources or skills without support structures can lead to stress, burnout, and ultimately giving up.
Question 7: How does 'feedback' function in Locke and Latham's Goal Setting Theory?
- It replaces the need for specific goals
- It provides information on progress, allowing adjustment of effort and strategy (Correct answer)
- It only matters when a goal is already completed
- It reduces motivation by highlighting failures
Correct answer: It provides information on progress, allowing adjustment of effort and strategy
Feedback is a core mechanism in goal setting theory because it informs individuals of their current standing relative to the goal, enabling performance calibration.
CSL Goal Setting & Motivation Techniques 3
What is 'implementation intention' as a goal-setting technique?