Energetics and Human Information Processing
Energetics and Human Information Processing

Author: G.M. Hockey

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 1986-09-30

Total Pages: 474

ISBN-13: 9789024733811

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The central theme of this book is the role of energetical factors in the regulation of human information processing activity. This is a restatement of one of the classic problems of psychology - that of acc ounting for motivational or intensive aspects of behaviour, as opposed to structural or directional aspects. The term "energetics" was first used in the 1930's by Freeman, Duffy and others, following Cannon's energy mobilization view of emotion and motivation. The original concept had a limited life, probably because of its unnecessary focus on relativ ely peripheral processes, but it provided the foundations for the con cepts of "arousal" and "activation" which became the popular motivational constructs of the 1950's and 1960's. Now, these too are found wanting. The original assumptions of a unitary, non-specific process based on activation of the brain stem reticular formation have been shown to be misleading. Current work in neurobiology has demonstrated evidence of discrete neurotransmitter systems having quite specific information processing functions, and central roles in the regulation of behaviour. Even the venerable curvilinear relationship between motivation and per formance (the Yerkes-Dodson law) has been shown to be, at best, an unhelpful oversimplification. On a different front psychophysiologists have found complex patterns in the response of different bodily systems to external stressors and to task demands.

Heart Rate as an Indicator of Mental Effort in a Goal-setting Condition
Heart Rate as an Indicator of Mental Effort in a Goal-setting Condition

Author: Matthew R. Underwood

Publisher:

Published: 2014

Total Pages: 110

ISBN-13:

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According to goal-setting theory, the application of a specific and difficult, but attainable, goal will improve performance. According to the bidirectional model of heart rate (HR) change, HR will accelerate or decelerate according to specific cognitive activity. It was hypothesized that participants who were given a specific and difficult goal on a cognitive task would experience HR acceleration at a greater magnitude than participants who were not assigned a specific goal. A delayed-match-to-sample task (DMTS) was used to monitor the effect of goal vs. no goal conditions on HR change and response latency (RL) among college students. Participants in the goal condition were asked to correctly answer a specific number of trials in the DMTS, assigned to each participant based upon his/her performance during the practice trials. Participants in the no goal condition were asked to 'do your best.' In general, results supported the bidirectional model of HR change, but did not indicate improved performance among participants in the goal condition, compared to participants in the no goal condition. In addition, motivational disposition (being either approach-driven or avoidance-driven motivation) was shown to correlate with both HR and RL, between groups. These correlational results indicate that increased motivation (of either disposition) was associated with a greater magnitude of HR acceleration and shorter RL.

The Oxford Handbook of Human Motivation
The Oxford Handbook of Human Motivation

Author: Richard M. Ryan

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Published: 2013-12-15

Total Pages: 1805

ISBN-13: 019936625X

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Motivation is that which moves us to action. Human motivation is thus a complex issue, as people are moved to action by both their evolved natures and by myriad familial, social and cultural influences. The Oxford Handbook of Human Motivation collects the top theorists and researchers of human motivation into a single volume, capturing the current state-of-the-art in this fast developing field. The book includes theoretical overviews from some of the best-known thinkers in this area, including chapters on Social Learning Theory, Control Theory, Self-determination theory, Terror Management theory, and the Promotion and Prevention perspective. Topical chapters appear on phenomena such as ego-depletion, flow, curiosity, implicit motives, and personal interests. A section specifically highlights goal research, including chapters on goal regulation, achievement goals, the dynamics of choice, unconscious goals and process versus outcome focus. Still other chapters focus on evolutionary and biological underpinnings of motivation, including chapters on cardiovascular dynamics, mood, and neuropsychology. Finally, chapters bring motivation down to earth in reviewing its impact within relationships, and in applied areas such as psychotherapy, work, education, sport, and physical activity. By providing reviews of the most advanced work by the very best scholars in this field, The Oxford Handbook of Human Motivation represents an invaluable resource for both researchers and practitioners, as well as any student of human nature.

Effortless Attention
Effortless Attention

Author: Brian Bruya

Publisher: MIT Press

Published: 2010-04-09

Total Pages: 459

ISBN-13: 0262013843

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The phenomena of effortless attention and action and the challenges they pose to current cognitive models of attention and action.