Changes in Behavior Following Changes in Control Over Outcomes: A Theory Based on Responses to Uncertainty.

Abstract

A theory to predict outcome-oriented effort following changes in control over outcomes is proposed. This theory is based on a hypothesized motivation to avoid uncertainty. As uncertainty about control increases individuals should become increasingly motivated to seek uncertainty-reducing information. They should thus become increasingly motivated to exert outcome-oriented effort in an attempt to provide more information about the consequences of their behavior. Changes are seen as a function of one's uncertainty about control both before and after the change in control. The relationship between this theory and several other psychological theories is discussed. (Author)

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 01, 1976
Accession Number
ADA033562

Entities

People

  • James R. Larson Jr.
  • Terence Mitchell

Organizations

  • University of Washington

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Data Science
  • Decision Theory
  • Defense Mechanisms
  • Errors
  • High Pressure
  • Human Behavior
  • Information Science
  • Motivation
  • New York
  • North Carolina
  • Perception
  • Psychological Theory
  • Psychology
  • Psychophysiology
  • Social Psychology
  • Training
  • United States

Fields of Study

  • Psychology

Readers

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  • Team-Based Human-Centered Cognitive Task Decision Making and Information Performance.