MENTAL SIMULATIONS' INFLUENCE ON PERSISTENCE IN ACTION

• Authors: Jarczewska-Gerc E.
• Languages of publication: PL

Abstracts

EN

The study aimed at evaluating the influence of various types of mental simulations in goal achievement; process focused, goal (outcome) focused and failure and process focused simulations were investigated. The effectiveness of particular mental simulations was measured in computer task in which respondents were asked to follow the small square figure by the mouse courser on the screen, while the figure was moving in various and unpredictable directions. The indicator of persistence was served by the time devoted for work, measured in minutes. ANOVA analysis revealed main effect at the 'process simulation' level. In detail, subjects devoted significantly more time for executing the task after process focused simulation briefing comparing to all remaining conditions: F(1,32)=14,07; p -lower than 0,0007. The relationship between mental imagery operations and persistence in action showed to be undeniable. Importantly - not every mental simulation can be considered as activity facilitator. Especially goal focused simulations can inhibit the persistence and in consequence deteriorate goal achievement process. The role of failure and process focused simulations requires further investigation and analysis. The results of study above may find many practical applications in various fields of social sciences where increase of motivation to action is important.

Keywords

EN

ACTION; GOAL ACHIEVEMENT; MENTAL SIMULATIONS; MOTIVATION; PERSISTENCE

Discipline

• PSYCHOLOGY: PSYCHOLOGY

• Publisher: Committee on Psychological Sciences PAS, Warsaw School of Social Psychology
• Journal: Psychological Studies
• Year: 2007
• Volume: 45
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 93-99
• Document type: ARTICLE

Contributors

author

Jarczewska-Gerc E.

• E. Jarczewska-Gerc, Instytut Psychologii PAN, ul. Miedzyborska 23/37, 04-041 Warszawa, Poland

Identifiers

CEJSH db identifier

08PLAAAA04749056