The Effect of Mental Simulation on Goal-Directed Performance

Abstract

Mental simulations can have beneficial effects on goal-directed effort and performance. We make a theoretical distinction between simulations of desired goals (outcome simulation) versus simulation of the steps leading to a desired goal (process simulation). In the present study, participants simulated the outcome of writing an effective essay, the process of preparing the effective essay, or they completed no simulation. Following the simulation (or not), participants either wrote on the expected essay topic or were switched to a new topic. Both outcome and process simulations demonstrated enhanced performance on the expected task. There was some evidence that process simulations, but not outcome simulations, facilitated planning of the essay. Outcome simulations enhanced motivation and self-efficacy, but these variables did not mediate the effects of outcome simulations on performance. We discuss the beneficial effects of mental simulation for goal-directed activity.

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