Performance standards and the Type A behavior pattern

The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that Type A subjects set higher performance standards than Type B subjects. In the context of a course in introductory psychology, subjects set a performance standard (percentile rank) prior to the midterm examination. Performance feedback in terms of percentile rank was offered and satisfaction ratings were obtained. Five weeks later, subjects once again set standards for the final examination. The major hypothesis was supported in that A's set significantly higher performance standards than B's for both examinations, despite the fact that actual performance among the groups was similar. Further, Type B subjects based subsequent standards on prior behavioral outcomes, while Type A subjects evidenced a traitlike style of establishing high standards independent of prior outcomes. No sex effects were noted. The present findings replicate and extend previous research, and the implications for a model of self-regulation are discussed.Portions of this paper were presented at the Third Annual Meeting of the Society of Behavioral Medicine, Chicago, 1982.