PSYC19H3 Chapter Notes - Chapter 6: Thermostat, Anagram
Document Summary
Most cognitive representations (e. g. , memory) decrease in strength from moment of activation. Zeigarnik found goal are sticky i. e persistent and tend to be active in our mind. goals dissipate when accomplished. Long time between activation and dissipation because some goals take very long to achieve. Ziegarnik effect: tendency to have stronger memories (and even intrusive thoughts) about uncompleted goals; Increases the desire (even compulsion) to complete the goal. If goal is still unmet/active, feel pulled to it more than to other things. My son jonah"s math homework. if hasn"t finished, hard to leave for dinner even if fav meal. even distressed about it. if finished, leaves for meal easily. Some people have effect more than others, Goals that are active want to be completed. (stability) Why? speculations only, don"t know for sure. Incomplete goals arouse monitoring system (lewin"s waiter), increase goal-related thoughts.
