Goal Setting Meta-Analysis

A meta-analysis is a study of studies. Researchers use this technique to compare the results of a large number of studies to uncover meaningful trends. Goal setting is a popular subject in business and sport because of its role in motivation and performance.

  1. Effect Size

    • A meta-analysis allows researchers to calculate a number called an "effect size." This is the average effect an independent variable, such as goal setting, has on a dependent variable, like performance.

    Kyllo and Landers

    • A landmark goal setting meta-analysis was conducted by sport psychologists Blaine Kyllo and Daniel Landers in 1995. These authors examined studies on the effect of goal setting on athletic performance. They also looked at several moderator variables, or variables that may potentially influence goal setting's effect on performance. Examples included goal difficulty, goal specificity and long versus short-term goals.

    A Moderate Effect Size

    • These authors located 36 studies from sport and exercise settings for their review. They found a moderate effect size for the relationship between goal setting and performance. Kyllo and Landers discovered that goals were most often met when performers set both short- and long-term goals. They also found that specific goals were more effective than generic, do-your-best goals.

    Conclusions

    • Goal setting is responsible for improved performance due to its effect on motivation, Kyllo and Landers assert. Further, goal setting was shown to be highly related to each goal setter's self-efficacy, or belief he could accomplish his goals. Goals appear to be most effective when people realistically believe the goal is attainable.

    Future Research

    • Future research is needed to more fully understand the relationship between goal setting and various outcomes. The last significant goal setting meta-analysis was conducted 15 years ago, making a new one pertinent. Just 36 studies were located in the previous analysis, which is not a lot. Future research should attempt to locate more interventions from a variety of fields, and examine additional moderator variables, Kyllo and Landers say.