Unit 10: Motivation 2 Attributions and Goal Orientation Introduction In this unit, we examine additional current motivation theories that influence goal choice, persistence, and mental effort. We will see how these theories are used to diagnose causes of motivational problems and inform the solutions to these problems during the process of conducting a gap analysis. First, we examine Bernard Weiner’s (1985, 2005) Attribution Theory. Weiner suggests that individuals are “naïve scientists” when they experience an unexpected or negative outcome to an event. The attributions individuals make for those outcomes have important motivational consequences for behavior. Moreover, in educational settings, the attributions that teachers communicate to students’ successes and failures have important consequences for their future behavior. We will also address the role of goals and goal setting in motivation. Recall the use of SMART goals as a self-regulatory strategy in the previous unit on Social Cognitive Theory and Self-Regulation. We will extend our discussion of goals by examining Goal Orientation Theory, which explores individual beliefs about why people engage in a task, whether academic, social, personal, or work related. We examine how individual differences and context influence the types of goals we adopt, and how to reconcile and balance both mastery and performance goal orientation in learning environments to achieve academic performance and sustained personal interest. Learning Objectives For This Unit · Describe how attributions and goal orientation affect active choice, persistence, and mental effort. · Apply motivational principles from each theory to determine solutions to common motivational problems. Learning Strategies For This Unit · View the recorded lecture. Write down questions about anything you do not understand. · Complete the readings in the order listed in the syllabus, writing down one or two sentences that synthesize the major ideas. Advance Organizer For The Next Unit · Sociocultural Theory · Cultural models and cultural settings · In-class workshop (organizational causes). Bring your laptop to class.