Motivation and Construct Accessibility

doi:10.1017/CBO9780511735066.015

13 - Motivation and Construct Accessibility

Published online by Cambridge University Press: 04 August 2010

Nira Liberman and

Jens Förster

Edited by

Joseph P. Forgas ,

Kipling D. Williams and

Simon M. Laham

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Nira Liberman: Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, Tel Aviv University
Jens Förster: Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, International University, Bremen
Joseph P. Forgas: Affiliation:
University of New South Wales, Sydney
Kipling D. Williams: Affiliation:
University of New South Wales, Sydney
Simon M. Laham: Affiliation:
University of New South Wales, Sydney

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Summary

INTRODUCTION

Given the recent trend toward distinguishing between implicit and explicit processes in a number of areas in social psychology, the present volume can make a timely contribution to applying this distinction to motivational processes. In this chapter, we will focus mainly on implicit motivational mechanisms and, in particular, on the role of goal-related accessibility in motivated thinking and behavior. Theories in both cognitive and social psychology propose that motivational states such as needs, goals, intentions, and concerns are characterized by enhanced accessibility of motivation-related constructs (Anderson, 1983; Bruner, 1957; Higgins & King, 1981; Wyer and Srull, 1986, 1989). Similar ideas came from theories of motivation and volition (Ach, 1935; Gollwitzer 1996; Gollwitzer & Moskowitz, 1996; Goschke & Kuhl, 1993; Kuhl, 1983; 1987; Kuhl & Kazén-Saad, 1988). In this chapter, we summarize some general principles of accessibility from motivational sources, and briefly review extant and novel empirical evidence for these principles. We then discuss a possible theoretical account for these principles within a general functional approach to accessibility. Finally, we examine some implications of the outlined theory for person perception, postsuppressional rebound, and catharsis of aggression.

ACCESSIBILITY FROM MOTIVATIONAL SOURCES: GENERAL PRINCIPLES

We propose the following principles to characterize accessibility from motivational sources such as goals, needs, or concerns: (a) Motivation enhances the accessibility of motivation-related constructs; (b) accessibility from motivational sources persists until the motivation is fulfilled or becomes irrelevant; (c) fulfillment of the motivation inhibits the accessibility of motivation-related constructs; and (d) accessibility of motivation-related constructs and postfulfillment inhibition are proportional to the strength of the motivation.

Type: Chapter
Information: Social Motivation
Conscious and Unconscious Processes
, pp. 228 - 246

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511735066.015 [Opens in a new window]

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Print publication year: 2004

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