lecture 3: implementation intentions

Question 1

are intentions good predictors of behavior?

Answer 1

Sheeran (2002): intentions explain 28% of variance in behavior, medium-large change in intentions –> small-medium change behavior

Question 2

Name the explanations for the intention-behavior gap

Answer 2

1. intention viability
   - intentions can only be realized when you have control over the behavior
   - abilities, resources, opportunities
2. intention activation
   - environment/context can als activate different goals
   - temptation: short vs. long term goals
   - people ‘forget’ or re-prioritize their goals
3. intention elaboration
   - intentions can only be realized when you think trough all actions needed to reach your goals
   - health behavior = complex

Question 3

article gollwitzer results

Answer 3

RQ: to reduce the gap between intentions and behavior: we use implementation intentions: when situation Y happens, I do X

• example: when it’s tuesday evening, I will go to the gym
• creating association between mental representation situation and goal-directed response (if-then-plans)

Question 4

why do intention implementations work?

Answer 4

They facilitate:

1. Cue accessability = recognizing a good opportunity to act. Mental represetnation relevant situtational cues, so coginitvely more accesible
2. Cue-response link = automatic reaction of goal-directed response. Creates a strong cue-response link, automatizes the reaction.

Question 5

article webb & sheeran results

Answer 5

aim: test if cue accessibility and the strong cue-response link together mediate the effect of implementations on goal achievement
4 existing and 4 non-words
implementation: see avenda, press quickly
control: respond quickly to avenda by familiarizing yourself with this word

goal achievement: how fast did they respond to avenda in the word search puzzle?

results: both mediated the effect of implementations on goal achievement

Question 6

results article Milne et al

Answer 6

hypotheses: PMT intervention (health info) influences PMT-cognitions (vulnerability, severity, fear, self and response efficacy) + greater intentions (PMT is a socio-cognitive model)
condition 1: health info based on PMT
condition 2: health info based on PMT + implementations
dependent variables: exercise intention/behavior,

results:
- only positive effect on behavior if health info + implementation intention

Question 7

What is the difference between a motivational model and the implemenation intentions (imps)?

Answer 7

Motivational models stop at intention formation while imps focus on the volitional phase (planning and action to reach goals)

Question 7

What is the difference between a motivational model and the implemenation intentions (imps)?

Answer 7

Motivational models stop at intention formation while imps focus on the volitional phase (planning and action to reach goals)