The Effects of Prior Knowledge on Goal Variability & Learning: The More Goals the Merrier

Prior knowledge and experience influence many of our everyday task interactions and knowledge acquisition. One way this happens is by goal choice and goal-oriented behavior. This study focused on the effects of goal variability with repeated interactions with a complex, dynamic task over several months. The effect of goal variability on knowledge acquisition mechanisms and learning of task domain knowledge was observed through the use of the mircogenetic approach. Prior knowledge had strong implications for the profile of active goals, interactions with the task and ultimately, learning. Goal variability influenced the use of specific knowledge-acquisition mechanisms. By the final session, goal variability, regardless of the content of the goals, heavily influenced increments in domain knowledge. Variability may have beneficial effects when applied to goal selection, knowledge-acquisition mechanisms, task strategies, and learning over time. Implications of this study may extend to training and other learning and teaching environments.