Researchers in Transition: Changes in Achievement Goals (Poster 25)

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Sunday 1:30 p.m.
  In Poster Session: Issues in Graduate and Postdoctoral Education

Abstract

Against the background of academia being a highly selective and competitive working environment, we examined researchers’ changes in motivation during career trajectories. Focusing on achievement motivation, we assessed learning and appearance goals as they focus on developmental and self-presentation aspects likely relevant for successful career transitions. We longitudinally examined researchers in five different career stages (total N = 1139) and compared intra-individual changes and group differences. Generally, goals were relatively stable, with avoidance goals being more stable and learning approach goals more variable. Learning goals tended to increase across transitional phases and decrease within a career stage. Appearance approach goals increased with the transition into the PhD and decreased after starting the postdoctoral phase.

Authors

• Johanna Maria Ott, University of Augsburg

• Ronja Steinhauser, University of Mannheim

• Stefan Janke, University of Mannheim

• Oliver Dickhäuser, University of Mannheim

• Markus Dresel, University of Augsburg

• Martin Daumiller, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich