Abstract
The goal of this thesis is to provide insight into the psychological processes that
subserve remembering and acting on behavioural intentions. People have many
plans but often do not carry out these intended activities: they change their minds, or
they are physically unable to carry out the planned activity, but often they simply
forget. Behavioural intentions may be forgotten due to distractions: we may intend
to prepare dinner in a few minutes time but when the doorbell suddenly rings and a
neighbour starts discussing the latest gossip, we may forget all about dinner.
Alternatively, we may forget an intended activity because we have not specified well
enough how, where and when the activity will take place. Planning is an important
step between the formation of an intention and acting on it. An intention to buy fuses
is more likely to result in action if the intention is accompanied by a specific plan to
do it next Thursday when we go shopping. In addition, some intended activities are
carried out frequently, perhaps on a habitual basis. For example we may add sugar
every time we pour ourselves a cup of coffee. The general observation is that
habitual intended activities are almost never forgotten.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Qualification | Doctor of Philosophy |
Awarding Institution |
|
Supervisors/Advisors |
|
Award date | 26 Nov 2002 |
Place of Publication | Eindhoven |
Publisher | |
Print ISBNs | 90-386-1907-3 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2002 |