Form if-then implementation intentions (specifying when, where, and how) to support goal achievement¶

Strategy · All strategies
Evidence · 4 claims (4 for) · 2 studies (1 causal, 1 quant-synthesis), q3–q4 · 1 of 2 report an effect size · 3 claims rest on one study

Description¶

A concrete, implementable self-regulation strategy: learners form plans in the format "If situation Y is encountered, then I will initiate goal-directed behavior X!", spelling out the when, where, and how of goal striving in advance. The meta-analysis supports this strategy with a medium-to-large pooled effect (d = .65) on goal attainment and shows it operates by making specified opportunities more accessible and automating the planned response.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• The learner must specify both the critical situation and the goal-directed response in advance.

Constraints¶

Target Learners¶

• individuals pursuing personal or task goals

Target Learning Goals¶

• goal attainment, initiating goal striving, maintaining goal pursuit

Affordances¶

• Implementation Intention If Then Plan Framework

Claims¶

• Holding a strong goal intention alone does not guarantee goal achievement [+W]
• Implementation intention formation enhances accessibility of specified opportunities and automates goal-directed responses [+M]
• Forming implementation intentions produces a medium-to-large positive effect (d = .65) on goal attainment across 94 independent tests [+M]
• Implementation intentions promote initiation of goal striving, shielding of ongoing pursuit, disengagement from failing courses of action, and conservation of capability [+M]

Related Strategies¶

Examples¶

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Key Sources¶

• Gollwitzer, Peter M., Sheeran, Paschal. (2006). Implementation intentions and goal achievement: a meta-analysis of effects and processes. Advances in Experimental Social Psychology, 38, 69-119. https://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bsz:352-opus-56534. doi:10.1016/s0065-2601(06)38002-1