Open Goals Lab

Two adults walking

About Us

The Open Goals Lab involves a collection of researchers who focus on goal setting and, in particular, open goals which are nonspecific and exploratory (such as to ‘see how well you can do’). 

Members of this sub-theme conduct research on three core topics: 

1. The use of open goals to promote health behaviours such as physical activity;

2. Reconsidering best practice in goal setting in sport, exercise and physical activity; and 

3. The role of goal setting in psychological states underlying excellent sport performance (such as flow and clutch performances).

Our research staff

Christian headshot

Professor Christian Swann

Theme Leader & Professor

Christian's research focuses on the psychology of sport, exercise and physical activity. His specific expertise is on improving quality of experience (e.g., flow, enjoyment), promoting mental health, and understanding how best to use goal-setting.

Dr Melanie Clarke

Dr Melanie Clarke

Post Doctoral Research Fellow

Melanie completed her PhD in paediatric medicine at the Murdoch Children's Research Institute at University of Melbourne and has expertise in cardiovascular exercise physiology. Her primary interest is using exercise/physical activity to improve physical and mental health outcomes, and equipping individuals with the tools to be successful in lifelong physical activity engagement. She has a particular focus on the cardiovascular response to goal-setting, and the use of open goals...

Scott Goddard - PhD graduate in exercise science lab

Dr Scott Goddard

Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Scott’s research centres on the psychology of sport, exercise, and physical activity, with a particular focus on positive experiences like exploration and flow states. He also investigates goal-setting strategies in physical activity contexts, aiming to enhance engagement and promote long-term adherence to active lifestyles.

Our research students

Davide Gargioli

PhD Student

Research Topic: Moderators of Open Goals in Physical Activity Promotion. Principal Supervisor: Professor Christian Swann. Co-supervisor: Dr Melanie Clarke

Joseph Greer

PhD Student

Research Topic: The Psychology Underlying Excellent Performance in Elite Sport: Enhancing Practical Utility of the Integrated Model of Flow and Clutch States. Principal Supervisor: Professor Christian Swann Co Supervisor: Dr Scott Goddard.

Grace Redden

PhD Student

Research Topic: Testing goal setting theory in personal injury rehabilitation. Principal Supervisor: Professor Christian Swann. Co-supervisor: Dr Chris Stevens.

Jack Sargeant

PhD Student

Research Topic: Alternative Goal Setting in Injury Rehabilitation. Principal Supervisor: Professor Christian Swann. Co-supervisor: Dr Dylan Poulus.

In addition, the Open Goals Lab has a range of collaborators within PASER and SCU, as well as nationally and internationally.

If you are interested in partnering with The Open Goals Lab, please contact Professor Christian Swann

christian.swann@scu.edu.au