Background Module 6

Question 1

Which self-report measure is most often used to study real-life habits?

Answer 1

Self-report habit index (SRHI)

Question 2

What is the Self-Report Behavioural Automaticity Index?

Answer 2

A subset of the SRHI, containing four questions taken from it

Question 3

What are implementation intentions (II)? How effective is it?

Answer 3

• If-then plans; specifying critical situations and linking them to desired behaviour
• More effective than goal intensions

Question 4

Difference between II’s and goal intensions?

Answer 4

Specificity. II’s are explicit statements (e.g., “when I get home after work, I’ll go jogging.”), whereas goal intensions are more broad and vague (e.g., “I will eat healthier).

Question 5

Why are II’s more effective according to the instant habit theory of Gollwitzer?

Answer 5

Because they describe the desired stimulus-response habit:
- A mental association is made between the critical cues and the desired behaviour
- Can thus be triggered automatically
- Focuses attention on critical cues, so every opportunity to carry out desired behaviour is recognized and used (alright….)