Page No 179-187.
S. Kadhiravan
Periyar University, Salem
Goal orientation refers to a set of concerns or a framework for processing incoming
information created by a single goal. Cognitive style is the underlying construct
for information processing regardless of the situation in which it is applied. The
knowledge about cognitive styles helps us to understand our own mode of
information processing, analyzing and utilizing information which in turn improve
one’s learning. Also, one’s style of utilizing information may influence their
motivation and emotions. The motivation and goal orientation can be effectively
regulated with a proper usage of cognitive styles. This study explored the influence
of cognitive styles on the goal orientation of students. 410 higher secondary
students were selected through stratified random sampling and data was collected
through survey by using goal orientation measure and personal style inventory.
Results revealed that the higher secondary students differ in their goal orientation
on the basis of gender, year of study, subject of specialization and type of
school they studied. All the three type of goal orientation viz. learning,
performance-approach and performance-avoidance orientation are significantly
influenced by the cognitive styles. The implications are presented in this study
.