Mind Control

Question 1

Mechanics of mind control

Answer 1

Wegner (1994)
suggested a dual process model that there are two processes that underpin peoples ability to successfully and unsuccessfully control their thoughts
- intentional operating process
- monitoring process

Question 2

Intentional operating process

Answer 2

• a desire for a mental state creates an operating process that seeks items consistent with the mental state (concentration of thought)
• a desire to avoid a mental state creates an operating process that seeks items inconsistent with that state (suppression of thought)

Question 3

ironic monitoring process

Answer 3

searching for indications for the failure of mental control
scanning the pre consciousness and consciousness
makes minimal attentional demands

Question 4

thought suppression rebound

Answer 4

intention of controlling thoughts must be present
attentional resources that compete: alcohol, stress, cognitive load
increases likelihood of cognitive rebound

Question 5

ego depletion (Baumeister)

Answer 5

refers to that self-control/willpower draws upon a limited pool of resources that can be used up.
when the energy for a mental activity is low, self-control is typically impaired. State of ego depletion
self control is like a muscle: we can weaken and strengthen it.

Question 6

Ego depletion study

Answer 6

Cookies and radishes
- ppl who engage in self control vs people who don't
afterwards a tedious tracing task
- allowed cookies: 20 sec
- no food at al: 20 sec
- no cookies: only 7secs

resisting cookies resulted in a resource depletion

Question 7

Ego depletion study sugar drink

Answer 7

blood sugar level testing
avoid looking at words while watching video vs. not
blood sugar level drops due to using self-control resources
then either lemonade with sugar or sugar substitute
- perform stroop task
performance was the same due to sugar drink having restored the blood sugar resources.

Question 8

delayed gratification task

Answer 8

Mishel
if you wait for ages you can have all of the sweets
how many children can delay gratification?
children who have this capacity tend to be more successful later in life: less stressed, more mature, less likely to have drug problems as adults