Explaining the Intraindividual Variability of Approach and Avoidance Goals: How Learning Experiences Can Influence Association Strength and Cause Variability in Daily Behavior

We propose that experiences determine the stability of goal orientation. Testing this in an academic context, we assume that varying (some exams were passed, some failed) or no experiences lead to higher intraindividual variability in approach and avoidance goals than consistent experiences (repeatedly mastering vs. repeatedly failing exams).