intention-behaviour gap

Question 1

how much of the % variance in behaviour do intentions explain?

Answer 1

20%

-t/f 80% of what you do isn’t explained by what you intended to do

Question 2

third variable

Answer 2

-can never be sure that thoughts cause our actions, past behaviour may influence future behaviour

Question 3

intention viability

Answer 3

it is impossible for some decisions to find expression in absence of particular abilities, resources or opportunities

• counter-intentional habits: intentions have smaller effects on behaviours performed frequently in similar situations
• lack of resources: need a supportive environment e.g. recycling bin near you in order for you to recycle

Question 4

intention activation

Answer 4

the extent to which contextual demands after the salience, direction or intensity of focal intention relative to another intention - we don’t just do one thing, we have other goals that could conflict and deactivate the focal intention (reprioritised or forgotten)

Question 5

intention elaboration

Answer 5

people fail to elaborate in sufficient detail how to go about performing the intended action. many intentions are too general and most behaviours require complex sequences of actions that need to be planned out in detail

Question 6

what is monitoring goal progress?

Answer 6

a way to change behaviour, periodically noting qualities of target behaviour and comparing these perceptions with desired outcome e.g. to lose weight

Question 7

what does monitoring progress help you do?

Answer 7

• identify discrepancies

- decide how to allocate effort/exercise restraint/initiate corrective action

Question 8

why do interventions have such a large effect on frequency with which people monitor goal progress?

Answer 8

• people don’t typically keep track of progress (ostrich problem)
• self-affirmation

Question 9

active monitoring

Answer 9

e.g. stepping on weighing scales

Question 10

passive monitoring

Answer 10

e.g. realising clothes don’t fit anymore, monitoring outcomes

Question 11

goal systems perspective

Answer 11

an outcome can be achieved in a range of different ways

Question 12

what is action and coping planning?

Answer 12

• action planning: linking goal directed behaviours to environmental cues by specifying when, where and how
• coping planning: identifying barriers that might derail intended actions and forming plans to overcome

Question 13

evidence that action and coping planning promotes goal achievement

Answer 13

-tetnus shot: manipulated fear by telling them the symptoms, action planning condition - told when, where and how to get shot. action planning helps achieve their intentions

Question 14

action planning mechanisms

Answer 14

• assists individuals in identifying salient cues that lead to action
• helps people get started

Question 15

coping planning mechanisms

Answer 15

-can help person overcome obstacles and cope with difficulties by anticipating personal risk situations and coping responses in detail

Question 16

what can be concluded on the basis of correlational studies of the relationship between intentions and behaviour?

Answer 16

there is a large size relationship