Clayton Mcclure, Helgi ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6858-3116, Pool, Sara and Cole, Scott N. (2026) Investigating perceived control over goals using a dice-based word game. Canadian Journal of Experimental Psychology / Revue canadienne de psychologie expérimentale. (In Press)

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Abstract

Personal goals are a fundamental motivator of behaviour, differing in characteristics including perceived control – the feeling that one can intentionally act to produce desired outcomes. We introduce a novel laboratory paradigm for investigating perceived control over goals using a dice-based word game and present a study assessing external resources as a potential determinant of this construct. For two different sets of dice, operationalising high and low resources, participants set performance targets and assembled words within a time limit. As predicted, perceived control was rated higher in the high-resource condition. High trait anxiety predicted lower perceived control under high resources, while higher expectations generally predicted higher perceived control. Exploratory analyses demonstrated convergence between perceived control and dimensions of the COM-B model (capabilities, opportunities and motivations) but did not show a consistent link between perceived control and performance in this paradigm. Results indicate that external resources, alongside internal factors, may constitute a determinant of perceived control over goal pursuit. Future research should manipulate other potential determinants and more fully investigate individual differences and downstream effects.

Item Type:	Article
Status:	In Press
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology > BF180-198.7 Experimental psychology B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology > BF501-505 Motivation B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology > BF511-593 Affection. Feeling. Emotion B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology > BF608-635 Will. Volition. Choice. Control B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology > BF636 Applied psychology
School/Department:	School of Education, Language and Psychology
URI:	https://ray.yorksj.ac.uk/id/eprint/16358

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