
This article examines a small-area hypothesis: individuals striving
toward a goal end state exhibit greater motivation when their attention
is directed to whichever is smaller in size—their accumulated or
remaining progress. The result is that, at the beginning of goal
pursuit, directing attention to accumulated progress increases goal
adherence relative to directing attention to remaining progress (e.g.,
20% completed is more impactful than 80% remaining). However, with
closeness to the goal, directing attention to accumulated progress
lessens goal adherence relative to directing attention to remaining
progress (e.g., 20% remaining is more impactful than 80% completed;
studies 1–2). The focus on small areas increases motivation by creating
an illusion of fast progress (study 3). Therefore, when individuals
wish to prolong goal pursuit and avoid reaching the goal’s end state,
they slow down goal adherence when their attention is directed to small
areas (study 4).
Do you have links for this data? I'm curious to follow up on this.
ReplyDeleteHi Todd, I have added the link to the article. Hadn't noticed that it was gone. Thanks!
DeleteI think I found it, is this the work you are referencing above?
ReplyDeletehttp://www.acrwebsite.org/volumes/v35/naacr_vol35_324.pdf