introspection, self perception, motivation

Introspection

The process of examining one's own thoughts, feelings, and motives.

Nisbett and Wilson Chocolate Study

A study showing that people may not accurately understand or report the reasons behind their preferences.

Wilson et al. Mood Study

Research illustrating that people's explanations for their feelings may not accurately reflect the actual causes of their moods.

Reasons-Generated Attitude Change

The idea that analyzing reasons for a feeling or preference can change an attitude, sometimes moving it away from the person's original gut feeling.

Wilson and Kraft Relationship Study

Research suggesting that analyzing reasons for relationship feelings can influence evaluations and may make them less consistent with initial feelings.

Self-Perception Theory

Bem's theory that people infer their own attitudes and feelings by observing their behavior and the circumstances in which it occurs, especially when their attitudes are unclear.

Overjustification Effect

The tendency for expected external rewards to reduce intrinsic motivation for an activity that was initially enjoyable.

Lepper, Greene, and Nisbett Marker Study

Children who expected a reward for drawing with markers later showed less interest in the activity than children who received no reward or an unexpected reward.

Intrinsic Motivation

Doing an activity because it is enjoyable or personally satisfying.

Extrinsic Motivation

Doing an activity to receive an external reward or avoid a punishment.