WWC review of this study

Setting, elaborating, and reflecting on personal goals improves academic performance.

Morisano, D., Hirsh, J. B., Peterson, J. B., Pihl, R. O., & Shore, B. M. (2010). Journal of Applied Psychology, 95(2), 255–264.

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
     examining 
    85
     Students
    , grade
    PS

Reviewed: February 2016

At least one finding shows promising evidence of effectiveness
At least one statistically significant positive finding
Meets WWC standards without reservations
Academic achievement outcomes—Statistically significant positive effect found for the domain
Outcome
measure
Comparison Period Sample Intervention
mean
Comparison
mean
Significant? Improvement
    index
Evidence
tier

Post-intervention semester GPA

Goal Setting vs. Another intervention

Post-intervention semester GPA (4 months)

Full sample;
83 students

2.91

2.46

Yes

 
 
23
 
Credit accumulation and persistence outcomes—Substantively important positive effect found for the domain
Outcome
measure
Comparison Period Sample Intervention
mean
Comparison
mean
Significant? Improvement
    index
Evidence
tier

Number of credits enrolled in during the postintervention semester

Goal Setting vs. Another intervention

Post-intervention Semester

Full sample;
83 students

13.88

13.21

No

--

Maintained full 9 credit courseload in post-intervention semester

Goal Setting vs. Another intervention

9 credit courseload in post-intervention semester

Full sample;
85 students

1.00

0.80

Yes

 
 
0


Evidence Tier rating based solely on this study. This intervention may achieve a higher tier when combined with the full body of evidence.

Characteristics of study sample as reported by study author.


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    International
 

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