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Psychological momentum: intuitive physics and naive beliefs
Keith D Markman1, Corey L Guenther
1Department of Psychology, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701, USA. markman@ohio.edu
Personality & Social Psychology Bulletin
|May 10, 2007
Summary
Psychological momentum (PM) is a perceived force influencing performance. Research shows shared intuitions about PM events and that defeating rivals boosts momentum, impacting task expectations and outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sport Psychology
- Social Psychology
Background:
- Lay intuition suggests psychological momentum (PM) influences performance.
- Existing theories propose how momentum perceptions arise.
- Understanding PM is crucial for performance prediction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine psychological momentum (PM) and its influence on performance expectations.
- To investigate lay intuitions regarding the origins and effects of PM.
- To test the carry-over effects of accumulated and interrupted PM.
Main Methods:
- Four studies were conducted to explore psychological momentum.
- Study 1: Assessed shared intuitions on events precipitating PM.
- Studies 2-4: Examined effects of defeating rivals, accumulated PM, and interrupted progress on performance expectations.
Main Results:
- Individuals share common intuitions about events that trigger PM.
- Defeating a rival was found to increase momentum perceptions.
- Accumulated PM carries over to subsequent tasks; interrupted PM leads to expected difficulty.
Conclusions:
- Lay beliefs about psychological momentum are consistent and influence performance expectations.
- PM theory provides a framework for understanding how momentum perceptions develop and impact outcomes.
- Further research should explore PM's links with related psychological constructs.
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