![]() It is this imagined end state that is thought to determine the way that the marble is chiseled as the sculptor produces the statue.įriedrich Herbart is commonly viewed as the first scholar to advocate for a scientific analysis of mental representations, citing goal-relevant explanations for human behavior. Standing before a block of marble, the sculptor has an idea of what is wanted at the end of the sculpting process. Aristotle used the work of a sculptor creating a statue to illustrate this notion of purpose and directedness. For Aristotle, behavior is always purposeful, and imagined future states are viewed as having an important influence on human action. Aristotle is often regarded as the first truly psychological thinker, and his writings make clear reference to the goal-directed nature of behavior. Goals have been present throughout the history of psychological thought. However, the psychological framing differs, which has important implication for the way goals are experienced. In both cases, the content of the goal is the same. In contrast, avoidance goals center on the evasion of a negative outcome, for example, scoring below a 90 on a math test. Approach goals center on the pursuit of a positive outcome, such as scoring above a 90 on a math test. Approach or AvoidanceĪll goals can be categorized as one of two types: approach-focused or avoidance-focused. While goal commitment requires a conscious decision, once in place, goals may be activated thorough an automatic process, influencing behavior outside an individual’s conscious awareness. Level of commitment may vary considerably, and this variability has important implications for effort, persistence, and absorption in the goal pursuit process. However, not all goals are committed to equally. ![]() It is only when an individual commits to some action that a goal is adopted. Goal commitment refers to the degree to which a person is dedicated to following through on his or her objective. Of central importance is the role of a mental image of a future possibility that influences present behavior. Flinching in response to a loud noise, for example, would not constitute goal-directed behavior. Goal-directed behavior, therefore, does not simply entail an immediate response to a stimulus. ![]() When engaging in goal-directed behavior, people take into account future events, behaving in ways that either facilitate or prevent their occurrence. These functions are carried out automatically, without any thought regarding the future. By the same token, physiological functions in humans, such as digestion or blood circulation, are not viewed as goal-directed for a similar reason. A blossoming rose bush, for example, is simply reacting to the conditions in its environment. ![]() The actions of plant life, therefore, are not seen as goal-directed behavior. Furthermore, goals are restricted to animals that use their mind in the process of regulation. Consequently, goals can only be inferred, rather than observed. Goals are mental ideas, or cognitive representations, meaning that they are based in the mind. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |