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Implementation intentions and efficient action initiation
V Brandstätter1, A Lengfelder, P M Gollwitzer
1Institute of Psychology, University of Munich, Germany. brandstaetter@psy.uni-muenchen.de
Journal of Personality and Social Psychology
|November 16, 2001
Summary
Implementation intentions, a strategy of forming "If-Then" plans, promote immediate and efficient action initiation. This planning technique benefits individuals with action control difficulties and functions even under high cognitive load.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Cognitive Science
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Implementation intentions are defined as "If-Then" plans linking a specific situation to a goal-directed behavior.
- These intentions are theorized to automate action initiation upon encountering the designated situation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test if implementation intentions lead to immediate action initiation.
- To determine if this effect persists under conditions of high cognitive load.
Main Methods:
- Four studies were conducted, including opiate addicts and schizophrenic patients (Studies 1-2).
- Cognitive load was experimentally induced in university students using dual-task paradigms (Studies 3-4).
Main Results:
- Implementation intentions benefited individuals with impaired action control.
- The positive effects of implementation intentions were observed even when cognitive load was experimentally increased.
Conclusions:
- Forming implementation intentions effectively instigates immediate action.
- This action initiation is efficient, even under demanding cognitive conditions.