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Degree

Doctor of Philosophy, Ohio State University, Psychology, 2005.

Abstract

In the study of the nexus between personality and motivation, the exact nature and role of individual differences in personality as they affect motivated cognition and behavior remains elusive. Although researchers have noted the need for a conceptual integration point between comprehensive theories of motivation and recent developments in the area of personality theory, the lack of clarity in respect to this integration remains. Recently, motivation scholars have converged around theories of self-regulation as a broad conceptual framework. At the same time, personality research has experienced surgency due to the widespread use of the Five Factor Model. These developments present the opportunity to use advances in personality scholarship to enhance existing models of self-regulation. In order to achieve this benefit, a compound personality trait termed goal propensity is proposed. This trait is based on key criteria of interest that are embedded in the self-regulation cycle. The conceptual details regarding the assembly of this trait are discussed in this document, and hypothesized relationships between this trait and various goal-related outcomes are proposed. In addition, relationships between hypothesized components and outcomes of goal propensity are investigated in this research through online questionnaires and a computer-based decision task. Study results indicate support for a number of presumed goal propensity components in predicting self-regulation outcomes, although the exact structure of goal propensity, in terms of the exact component traits within the overall compound trait, requires additional research. In addition, this study offers evidence for significant relationships between goal propensity and motivated cognition and behavior across several domains of activity, including academic and work situations and a computer-based decision task. Implications for further development of this trait and the investigation of the nomological network around goal propensity are explored. Implications of goal propensity for the areas of personality research and personnel selection research are discussed and elements of future research studies are proposed.

Subject Headings

Psychology, Industrial

Keywords

Motivation; Personality; Self Regulation; Individual Differences; Goals; Performance; Achievement

Advisor

Howard J Klein

Pages

233p.

Document number: osu1118951725
Permalink: http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1118951725

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