The Motivation Gradient of Maintenance: Maintenance Goals Are Uniquely Influenced by Proximity to the Ideal State

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yael Ecker ◽  
michael gilead ◽  
Roland Imhoff

When are people motivated to maintain what they have? We tested differences in the motivation to maintain versus approach and avoidance at different distances from one’s ideal state. Although keeping things as they are (maintenance) is often equated with avoiding changes, we predicted pronounced differences between these two goals. We reasoned that maintenance goals are energized by appreciation for the current state, which increases and leads to greater motivation with proximity to the ideal state. Avoidance, in contrast, is motivated by threat and should decrease as one’s situation improves. We tested these predictions in hypothetical scenarios (Study 1; N = 399) and real-life goals (Study 2; N = 401). Both studies confirm a pattern wherein the motivation gradient of maintenance is distinct from both approach and avoidance. More broadly, our results support a theoretical framework that distinguishes between three basic goals types, and may inspire future research in that direction.

2020 ◽  
pp. 003802612092888 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas Olesen

The article analyses the construction of whistleblower heroes in cinematic dramatization. Drawing on Joseph Campbell’s and Vladimir Propp’s work on mythology and fairy tales and Jeffrey Alexander’s civil sphere concept, I argue that these narratives are structured as a journey with five thresholds that all must be crossed before heroic status can be awarded. The theoretical framework is applied in an analysis of eight whistleblower films. So far, films have not been explored as a source of sociological insight into the values and meanings associated with whistleblowers. While the article focuses empirically on films, the findings have broader implications. The analysis of films lets us discover the ideal-typical contours of the whistleblower as a distinct social and political persona in democratic societies. Unpacking their hero-making narratives equips us with new tools to interpret the moral-political grammar of the meaning struggles that emerge in the wake of real-life whistleblower disclosures.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sihua Chen ◽  
Linlin Su ◽  
Xusen Cheng

PurposeThe Physical Internet (PI) provides solutions to improve the current unsustainable economically logistics systems. This paper aims to identify the key themes and point out the gaps to demonstrate the current state of the PI deployment in the industry. Furthermore, this paper attempts to provide possible opportunities for future research to lead research directions of PI deployment in the industry.Design/methodology/approachThis paper follows the methodology of systematic literature review (SLR) including five processes of (1) identifying the search process; (2) selecting publications following the criteria that include and/or exclude a publication; (3) evaluating and analyzing the chosen literature; (4) reporting findings and (5) synthesizing future research opportunities. A total of 88 papers ranging from 2011 to 2021 were selected and coded for analysis.FindingsThis paper has identified 7 themes, including the PI concepts, assessments of the PI, components of the PI, innovative facilities applied in the PI, collaboration in the PI, the PI implementation and literature review. Meanwhile, five key methodologies including experimental, exploratory, review, design science research as well as mixed-methods have been classified. A framework has been proposed to summarize the results incorporating the real-life industries involved in the existing research. The authors also present the research gaps and future research opportunities for the PI deployment in industries.Originality/valueThis study is one of the first research focusing on the PI real-life implementation and thus contributes to the PI literature differing from other literature review papers. The proposed framework is useful to learn about the current core research themes in the PI. The discussion of future research opportunities may inspire interesting research delving into the field.


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick Manser ◽  
Eling D. de Bruin

Background: Utilizing information technology (IT) systems, for example in form of computerized cognitive screening or exergame-based (also called active videogames) training, has gained growing interest for supporting healthy aging and to detect, prevent and treat neurocognitive disorders (NCD). To ameliorate the effectiveness of exergaming, the neurobiological mechanisms as well as the most effective components for exergame-based training remain to be established. At the same time, it is important to account for the end-users’ capabilities, preferences, and therapeutic needs during the design and development process to foster the usability and acceptance of the resulting program in clinical practice. This will positively influence adherence to the resulting exergame-based training program, which, in turn, favors more distinct training-related neurobiological effects.Objectives and Methods: This methodological paper describes the design and development process of novel exergame-based training concepts guided by a recently proposed methodological framework: The ‘Multidisciplinary Iterative Design of Exergames (MIDE): A Framework for Supporting the Design, Development, and Evaluation of Exergames for Health’ (Li et al., 2020).Case Study: A step-by-step application of the MIDE-framework as a specific guidance in an ongoing project aiming to design, develop, and evaluate an exergame-based training concept with the aim to halt and/or reduce cognitive decline and improve quality of life in older adults with mild neurocognitive disorder (mNCD) is illustrated.Discussion and Conclusion: The development of novel exergame-based training concepts is greatly facilitated when it is based on a theoretical framework (e.g., the MIDE-framework). Applying this framework resulted in a structured, iterative, and evidence-based approach that led to the identification of multiple key requirements for the exergame design as well as the training components that otherwise may have been overlooked or neglected. This is expected to foster the usability and acceptance of the resulting exergame intervention in “real life” settings. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to implement a theoretical framework (e.g., the MIDE-framework) for future research projects in line with well-known checklists to improve completeness of reporting and replicability when serious games for motor-cognitive rehabilitation purposes are to be developed.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew Sidwell ◽  
Michael Perry

The purpose of this article was to examine the current state of self-leadership training. The authors analyzed all published, publicly available studies (in English) pertaining to self-leadership training methods, offering a current state of self-leadership training, and implications for future research.


2009 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 46-69
Author(s):  
Shamas-Ur-Rehman Toor

Management from Islamic Perspectives (MIP) is an emerging field that has begun to attract scholarly attention. However, the research undertaken so far has been rather fragmented and lack a clear agenda. This paper presents a literature review of the field and the areas of current focus. Although the field has a huge growth potential, I argue that it faces several challenges and problems as it develops further. I outline these potential pitfalls, suggest how to develop MIP as a formal discipline, and explain how to integrate it within real-life business practices. The article closes with a call for research to be conducted in a more organized fashion through an international consortium of researchers as well as recommendations for future research directions.


2006 ◽  
Vol 152 ◽  
pp. 35-53 ◽  
Author(s):  
Machteld Moonen ◽  
Rick de Graaff ◽  
Gerard Westhoff

Abstract This paper presents a theoretical framework to estimate the effectiveness of second language tasks in which the focus is on the acquisition of new linguistic items, such as vocabulary or grammar, the so-called focused tasks (R. Ellis, 2003). What accounts for the learning impact offocused tasks? We shall argue that the task-based approach (e.g. Skehan, 1998, Robinson, 2001) does not provide an in-depth account of how cognitive processes, elicited by a task, foster the acquisition of new linguistic elements. We shall then review the typologies of cognitive processes derived from research on learning strategies (Chamot & O'Malley, 1994), from the involvement load hypothesis (Laufer & Hulstijn, 2001), from the depth of processing hypothesis (Craik & Lockhart, 1972) and from connectionism (e.g Broeder & Plunkett, 1997; N. Ellis, 2003). The combined insights of these typologies form the basis of the multi-feature hypothesis, which predicts that retention and ease of activation of new linguistic items are improved by mental actions which involve a wide variety of different features, simultaneously and frequently. A number of implications for future research shall be discussed.


2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 32-45
Author(s):  
Emanuela Martina ◽  
Federico Diotallevi ◽  
Tommaso Bianchelli ◽  
Matteo Paolinelli ◽  
Annamaria Offidani

Background: Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria (CSU) is a disease characterized by the onset of wheals and/or angioedema over 6 weeks. The pathophysiology for CSU is very complex, involving mast cells and basophils with a multitude of inflammatory mediators. For many years the treatment of CSU has been based on the use of antihistamines, steroids and immunosuppressive agents with inconstant and frustrating results. The introduction of omalizumab, the only licensed biologic for antihistamine- refractory CSU, has changed the management of the disease. Objective: The aim of this article is to review the current state of the art of CSU, the real-life experience with omalizumab and the promising drugs that are under development. Methods:: An electronic search was performed to identify studies, case reports, guidelines and reviews focused on the new targets for the treatment of chronic spontaneous urticaria, both approved or under investigation. The search was limited to articles published in peer-reviewed journals in the English Language in the PubMed database and trials registered in Clinicaltrials.gov. Results:: Since the advent of omalizumab, the search for new therapies for chronic spontaneous urticaria has had a new impulse. Anti-IgE drugs will probably still be the cornerstone of therapy, but new targets may prove effective in syndromic urticaria or refractory cases. Conclusion:: Although omalizumab has been a breakthrough in the treatment of CSU, many patients do not completely get benefit and even require more effective treatments. Novel drugs are under investigation with promising results.


Author(s):  
Dominic Scott

This chapter presents a reading of Plato’s Republic. The Republic is among Plato’s most complex works. From its title, the first-time reader will expect a dialogue about political theory, yet the work starts from the perspective of the individual, coming to focus on the question of how, if at all, justice contributes to an agent’s happiness. Only after this question has been fully set out does the work evolve into an investigation of politics—of the ideal state and of the institutions that sustain it, especially those having to do with education. But the interest in individual justice and happiness is never left behind. Rather, the work weaves in and out of the two perspectives, individual and political, right through to its conclusion. All this may leave one wondering about the unity of the work. The chapter shows that, despite the enormous range of topics discussed, the Republic fits together as a coherent whole.


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