Nicholls believed that the goal orientation held by an individual was a result of the possession of either an internal or external referent, while Dweck considered the adoption of a particular goal orientation to be related to the theory of intelligence held by that individual.
22.
Concerned with understanding and improving human performance, he is known for developing a framework for preparing learning objectives, and criterion referenced instruction ( CRI ), as well as addressing areas of goal orientation, student evaluation, student motivation, classroom environment, educational change, performance technology, and instructional design.