Goal planning

Question 1

From intention to action….

Answer 1

1. Intentions are a primary determinant of actual behavior (people who set string intentions are more likely to pursue and achieve their goals)
2. But intentions do not guarantee goal achievement

Question 2

Intention-behavior gap

Answer 2

The weak relationship between what poeple intend to do and what they actually do

Question 3

How can you reduce the intention-behavior gap?

Answer 3

1. Adapting goals with good qualities (difficult, specific, proximal)

Question 4

Mental simulations

Answer 4

refers to poeple’s attempt to imagine an aspect of their goal in their mind

1. Outcome simulations
2. Process simulations

Question 5

Outcome simulations

Answer 5

focus attention on the desired end state

Question 6

Process simulation

Answer 6

focus attention on the steps required to achieve the goal

Question 7

How can you increase the effectiveness of process simulation?

Answer 7

Combining process simulation with physical reminders of the goal

Question 8

Why are process simulations better?

Answer 8

1. we are forced to develop a goal plan -> visualizing

Question 9

making a plan…

Answer 9

1. focuses our attention on exactly how we will achieve our goal
2. motives and excites poeple about starting their goal

Question 10

Implementation-intentions

Answer 10

refer to an if-then plan that specifies the exact behavior the individual will performs in a particular situation
-> specify when, where, and how the individual will achieve the goal

Question 11

To form implementation intentions, people must…

Answer 11

1, identify a behavioral response that promotes goal achievemnt
2. link it with a situational cue to initiate that response

Question 12

Hurdles to overcome, when pursuing a new goal…

Answer 12

1. Initiate the goal
2. Persist at that goal
3. Override bad habits
4. Control inner emotions

Question 13

Implementation intentions help us with…

Answer 13

1. goal initiation
2. goal persistence
3. Overriding bad hbits
4. Controlling inner states
   - > also effective in controlling the influence of negative mood

Question 14

Costs of implementation intentions

Answer 14

1. Focus our attention too much on a specific course of action
   - > we often use multiple courses of action when striving for a goal
   - > May direct our attention away from other means that could also be activated within the particular situation
2. lock people into this faulty strategy even more…

Question 15

Factors that strengthen implementation intentions

Answer 15

1. Goal commitment (high commitment)
2. Self-efficacy (high self-efficacy)
3. Self-control (low self-control -> most likely to benefit from it)