Subjects (N=80) made expectancy of success statements in a dart throwing task under two conditions. Significant differences between criterion groups were obtained, with success statements remaining constant across difficulty levels in the relative criterion condition while declining rapidly as a function of task difficulty in the absolute…

The paper provides a review of goal theory as articulated by Edwin Locke. The theory is evaluated in terms of laboratory and field research and its practical usefulnes is explored as a means to improving individual productivity in "real world" organizations Research findings provide support for some goal theory propositions but suggest…

In spite of the efforts of researchers and practitioners, performance appraisal systems remain more of an albatross than an effective organizational tool. The movement toward objective measurement, employee participation, multiple raters, and the like, represents a definite improvement over traditional trait ratings. Still, internal improvements…

AN EXTENSIVE REVIEW OF THE RELEVANT LITERATURE SINCE 1900 SEEMS TO INDICATE THAT, IN SOME WAY, THERE IS AN INTERACTION BETWEEN INTELLIGENCE, AGE, SOCIAL GROUP, AND THE EFFECTS OF PRAISE AND BLAME ON SCHOOL CHILDREN. INCONSISTENCIES IN EXPERIMENTAL FACTORS HAVE PRECLUDED ANY DEFINITIVE STATEMENTS REGARDING THE PROBLEM. AN INVESTIGATION OF THE…

Extensive job sample tests and multiple choice job knowledge tests were administered to approximately 370 men in each of four Army jobs: Armor Crewman, Repairman, Supply Specialist and Cook. Representative tasks in each job were analyzed and skill requirements were identified. This analysis and the correlations between job sample scores and job…

A study was conducted by the Navy to develop and evaluate human performance reliability estimates for electronic maintenance. Data were collected using the Personnel Identification Information Forms, the Technical Proficiency Checkout Form, and the Job Performance Questionnaire. On the basis of the total number of uncommonly effective and the…

A sample of scientists and engineers participated in a study designed to assess moderating influences of facets of perceived cohesiveness and collaborative problem-solving on the task characteristics-individual performance relationship between task difficulty and individual performance. (Author)

The study assessed task performance of 25 hyperactive and 22 normal children (six to ten years old) with and without within-task color, holding task complexity constant. (Author)

The effect of audience and task difficulty on the learning and performance of forty, high-anxious, sixth-grade students was examined, with data favoring the hypothesis that a spectator reduces drive and reassures the learner. (MJB)

Deficiencies in job performance are not always due to a lack of knowledge, but frequently are the result of not knowing proper procedures and methods to get the job done. Recognizing the difference between deficiency in knowledge and deficiency in skills is the key to improving performance without training. (Editor)

It is concluded that attentional capacity is independent of intelligence, and that critical changes in this capacity may occur between ages 8 and 9. (Authors)

The performance of the older subjects (10 years and up) was facilitated by the organizational cues, whereas that of younger subjects was not. (Author)