Effects of plans and chance on subsequent behavior

Abstract

The present studies explored the effects of plans and chance on subsequent behavior. Past research on implementation intentions (Aarts, Dijksterhuis & Midden, 1999; Brandstatter, Lengfelder, & Gollwitzer, 2001; Gollwitzer & Brandstatter, 1997; Orbell, Hodgkins & Sheeran, 1997; Sheeran & Orbell, 1999) suggested that making plans might increase the probability that an individual would perform the intended behavior. Other previous research on temporal perspective and temporal construal (Gilovich, Kerr, & Medvec, 1993; Trope & Liberman, 2000), specificity (Kirschenbaum, Humphrey & Malett, 1981; McIntyre Paulson, & Lord, 2003) and Attitude Representation Theory (Lord & Lepper, 1999) suggested that making plans might decrease the probability that an individual might perform the intended behavior. The present research examined these possibilities using three different approaches: planning to support a member of a stigmatized group, planning to engage in a healthy behavior, an planning to complete a scheduled task.