Directed Motivational Currents in Second Language: Investigating the Effects of Positive and Negative Feedback on Energy Investment and Goal Commitment

Abstract

This study examined the role of positive and negative feedback on goal commitment and energy investment among English as a foreign language learners who experienced directed motivational currents (DMCs). To this purpose, a systematic methodology was used to identify language learners with a DMC experience (six students, four females, two males, mean of age = 19.5). Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the participants. The results of qualitative content analysis indicated that the three key features of DMCs were found in participants’ motivational experiences. In addition, the results showed that positive feedback affected goal commitment in DMCs by increasing goal persistence and sense of self-efficacy, while negative feedback enhanced motivation in DMCs by reducing the discrepancy between current state with the well-defined target state. The results also showed that feedback had some affective consequences that influenced goal pursuit in DMCs.