4.1.2—Cognitive theories

4.1.2 Cognitive theories.

• Latham and Locke's goal-setting theory including goal-setting principles.
• SMART goals.
• Vroom's VIE (expectancy) theory.
• Relevant issues and debates and methodology for this topic include: individual and situational explanations, cultural differences, reductionism versus holism, determinism versus free-will, idiographic versus nomothetic.

This matters because —cognitive theories determines what can be inferred or chosen; begin with the stated conditions and keep the conclusion tied to the evidence.

Example: apply —cognitive theories to one small, clearly defined case, show the key step or comparison, and explain the result in words.

Boundary: —Cognitive theories is not a universal recommendation. Check the syllabus scope, assumptions, units and the limits of the evidence before generalising.