scholarly journals Measuring Motivation for Cognitive Effort as State

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Max Blaise ◽  
Tamara Marksteiner ◽  
Ann Krispenz ◽  
Alex Bertrams
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Research ◽  
Cognitive Effort ◽  
Self Control ◽  
Research And Practice ◽  
One Dimensional ◽  
Cognitive Motivation ◽  
State Measure ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
State Scale ◽  
Preliminary Support

People's motivation to engage in cognitive effort is a variable which is relevant in different psychological domains (e.g., social cognition research). Despite its potential benefits, a psychometrically sound state measure of cognitive motivation is still lacking. We therefore developed the 10-item motivation for cognition (MFC) state scale based on the established conceptualization and measure of trait need for cognition (NFC). In two studies, we examined the psychometric properties of the new measure. Study 1 revealed that the MFC scale reliably measures a one-dimensional construct. Moreover, the MFC scale was related to NFC and choice of task effort in an expected manner. In Study 2, relationships with NFC, achievement motives, self-control capacity, subjective vitality, momentary affect, and choice of task effort provide further preliminary support for the MFC scale as being a valid measure of momentary cognitive motivation. We discuss the utility of the new scale in psychological research and practice.

scholarly journals Dispositional individual differences in cognitive effort investment: establishing the core construct

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Corinna Kührt ◽  
Sebastian Pannasch ◽  
Stefan J. Kiebel ◽  
Alexander Strobel
Keyword(s):  
Individual Differences ◽  
Latent Variables ◽  
Effortful Control ◽  
Factor Model ◽  
Cognitive Effort ◽  
Self Control ◽  
Behavioral Measures ◽  
Effort Discounting ◽  
Cognitive Motivation ◽  
Goal Directed Behavior

Abstract Background Individuals tend to avoid effortful tasks, regardless of whether they are physical or mental in nature. Recent experimental evidence is suggestive of individual differences in the dispositional willingness to invest cognitive effort in goal-directed behavior. The traits need for cognition (NFC) and self-control are related to behavioral measures of cognitive effort discounting and demand avoidance, respectively. Given that these traits are only moderately related, the question arises whether they reflect a common core factor underlying cognitive effort investment. If so, the common core of both traits might be related to behavioral measures of effort discounting in a more systematic fashion. To address this question, we aimed at specifying a core construct of cognitive effort investment that reflects dispositional differences in the willingness and tendency to exert effortful control. Methods We conducted two studies (N = 613 and N = 244) with questionnaires related to cognitive motivation and effort investment including assessment of NFC, intellect, self-control and effortful control. We first calculated Pearson correlations followed by two mediation models regarding intellect and its separate aspects, seek and conquer, as mediators. Next, we performed a confirmatory factor analysis of a hierarchical model of cognitive effort investment as second-order latent variable. First-order latent variables were cognitive motivation reflecting NFC and intellect, and effortful self-control reflecting self-control and effortful control. Finally, we calculated Pearson correlations between factor scores of the latent variables and general self-efficacy as well as traits of the Five Factor Model of Personality for validation purposes. Results Our findings support the hypothesized correlations between the assessed traits, where the relationship of NFC and self-control is specifically mediated via goal-directedness. We established and replicated a hierarchical factor model of cognitive motivation and effortful self-control that explains the shared variance of the first-order factors by a second-order factor of cognitive effort investment. Conclusions Taken together, our results integrate disparate literatures on cognitive motivation and self-control and provide a basis for further experimental research on the role of dispositional individual differences in goal-directed behavior and cost–benefit-models.

scholarly journals Dispositional Individual Differences in Cognitive Effort Investment: Establishing the Core Construct

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Corinna Kührt ◽  
Sebastian Pannasch ◽  
Stefan J. Kiebel ◽  
Alexander Strobel
Keyword(s):  
Individual Differences ◽  
Personality Traits ◽  
Common Core ◽  
Factor Model ◽  
Cognitive Effort ◽  
Self Control ◽  
Behavioral Measures ◽  
Cognitive Motivation ◽  
Goal Directed Behavior ◽  
Core Construct

It is commonly assumed that individuals tend to avoid effort, be it physical or cognitive. Yet, recent evidence suggests that individual differences exist and that personality traits related to the willingness to invest cognitive effort in goal-directed behavior are associated with experimental measures of cognitive effort investment. The personality traits need for cognition (NFC) and self-control were found to be related to behavioral measures of effort discounting and demand avoidance, respectively. Given that NFC and self-control are only moderately related, this evidence raises the question whether these associations are specific for these traits or whether they reflect a common core that these traits both involve cognitive effort investment. If so, the common core of both traits might be related to behavioral measures of the avoidance of cognitive effort in a more systematic fashion. Thus, the present study aimed at specifying a core construct of cognitive effort investment that reflects dispositional differences in the willingness and tendency to exert effortful control. Therefore, we conducted an online-study (N = 613) with questionnaires related to cognitive motivation and effort investment including the NFC and the self-control scale. Our findings support the hypothesized correlations between the assessed traits, where the relationship of NFC and self-control is specifically mediated via an aspect that can be conceptualized as goal-directedness. We found that a hierarchical factor model of cognitive motivation and effortful self-control can explain the shared variance of these two first-order factors by a second-order factor of cognitive effort investment. These findings are backed up by results of an independent second sample (N = 244). Taken together, our results integrate currently only loosely related research strands on cognitive motivation and self-control and provide a basis for further experimental research on the role of dispositional individual differences in goal-directed behavior.

Volition in Sports

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 84-96 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jürgen Beckmann ◽  
Madison Ehmann ◽  
Tom-Nicolas Kossak ◽  
Benedikt Perl ◽  
and Wiebke Hähl
Keyword(s):  
Self Regulation ◽  
Resource Depletion ◽  
Skills Training ◽  
Psychological Research ◽  
Self Control ◽  
Affective Neuroscience ◽  
Psychological Skills ◽  
Psychological Skills Training ◽  
Theoretical Approaches ◽  
Sport And Exercise

Abstract. Volition is an essential component of sport and exercise. It comprises self-regulation processes complementing motivation to facilitate successful action. Therefore, sport psychological interventions or psychological skills training largely involve volition. Essentially, three theoretical approaches to volition have stimulated sport psychological research: the theory of action control, the Rubicon model of action phases, and the resource depletion model. These three models will be outlined and evaluated with regard to their contribution to sport psychological research. Despite their contributions, research on the exact mechanisms underlying volition is still in its infancy. Based on new developments involving affective neuroscience and self-control success, potential mechanisms are suggested. Subsequently, we discuss how these developments can advance the aforementioned well-established theories.

Toward a Masturbation Ethic

1994 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-28 ◽  
Author(s):  
Keith Sanford
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Research ◽  
Self Control ◽  
Primary Concern ◽  
Moral Vision ◽  
Human Relationships ◽  
Contemporary Research ◽  
Intended Purpose

An appropriate Christian masturbation ethic will be informed by a distinctive moral vision, historical viewpoints, psychological research, and contemporary issues. The Christian scriptures do not prescribe a masturbation ethic, but rather nurture a particular moral vision that has as its final telos right relationships both with God and among persons. Historical viewpoints, however, have been based on misinformation about human relationships and have reflected a primary concern for procreation. In light of contemporary research, an appropriate masturbation ethic must consider both the prevalence of masturbation and the connection between masturbation and fantasy. Contemporary issues relating to masturbation include topics such as lust, self control, guilt, alleged benefits of masturbation, and God's intended purpose for sex. Although an appropriate masturbation ethic cannot be prescriptive, it will contain elements of both self control and freedom.

scholarly journals Genetics and Crime: Integrating New Genomic Discoveries Into Psychological Research About Antisocial Behavior

2018 ◽  
Vol 29 (5) ◽  
pp. 791-803 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Wertz ◽  
A. Caspi ◽  
D. W. Belsky ◽  
A. L. Beckley ◽  
L. Arseneault ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antisocial Behavior ◽  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Molecular Genetic ◽  
Psychological Research ◽  
Self Control ◽  
Birth Cohorts ◽  
Polygenic Risk ◽  
A Genome ◽  
Polygenic Scores ◽  
Life Course Persistent

Drawing on psychological and sociological theories of crime causation, we tested the hypothesis that genetic risk for low educational attainment (assessed via a genome-wide polygenic score) is associated with criminal offending. We further tested hypotheses of how polygenic risk relates to the development of antisocial behavior from childhood through adulthood. Across the Dunedin and Environmental Risk (E-Risk) birth cohorts of individuals growing up 20 years and 20,000 kilometers apart, education polygenic scores predicted risk of a criminal record with modest effects. Polygenic risk manifested during primary schooling in lower cognitive abilities, lower self-control, academic difficulties, and truancy, and it was associated with a life-course-persistent pattern of antisocial behavior that onsets in childhood and persists into adulthood. Crime is central in the nature-nurture debate, and findings reported here demonstrate how molecular-genetic discoveries can be incorporated into established theories of antisocial behavior. They also suggest that improving school experiences might prevent genetic influences on crime from unfolding.

Values Activation and Present Bias

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 57-69
Author(s):  
Onna Brewer ◽  
Orhan Erdem
Keyword(s):  
College Students ◽  
Decision Making ◽  
Experimental Study ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Self Control ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Values Clarification ◽  
Research And Practice ◽  
Present Bias ◽  
Writing Activity

Present bias—difficulty resisting instant gratification over a future and larger reward (also called delay discounting)—has been associated with various suboptimal behaviors and health outcomes. Several methods have been proposed to produce reductions in this bias and promote self-control. In this randomized experimental study of 137 undergraduate college students, the authors examined the effect of a 10-minute values clarification writing exercise on present bias in a monetary decision-making task compared with a neutral writing activity. While participants in the values clarification condition showed less present-biased behavior, this finding was not statistically significant at the .05 level. Thus, they place emphasis on implications for future research and practice with the aims of reducing present bias and building better communities.

PSYCHOLOGICAL RESEARCH AND PRACTICE

2020 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Educational Psychology ◽  
Technological Development ◽  
Scientific Publication ◽  
Psychological Research ◽  
Applied Psychology ◽  
Ministry Of Education ◽  
Research And Practice ◽  
Scientific Papers ◽  
The Republic ◽  
Education Science

The International Thematic Proceedia titled „Psychological research and practice” is a publication from the 15th International Conference “Days of Applied Psychology” held on September 27th & 28th 2019 at the Faculty of Philosophy, University of Niš. This is a traditional annual nonprofit conference which has been organized since 2005 by the Department of Psychology of the Faculty of Philosophy, University of Niš, with the support and co-financing of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development of the Republic of Serbia. The conference started with the idea of gathering researchers and practitioners who discuss the link between science and practice in different psychological areas. From the very start, this gathering has welcomed international participants, and year after year this number is on the rise. This scientific publication contains 18 reviewed articles which can be classified as original scientific papers. The authors of these manuscripts come from five countries: Italy, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the Republic of Serbia. Papers belong to the different areas of psychology, reflecting the scope of interest of the authors as well as the topic of the conference. This publication is organized into the following thematic sections: 1) Plenary lecture; 2) Developmental and Educational psychology 3) Social Psychology; 4) Psychology of Personality and Individual Differences and Psychological Measurement; 5) Clinical and Health Psychology; 6) Organizational and Marketing Psychology, and 7) Symposium: Understanding sexual related behavior in students: Personality, emotions and attitudes.

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