230
Participants
Start Date
June 30, 2014
Primary Completion Date
December 31, 2016
Study Completion Date
June 30, 2017
Cognitive Dissonance
After reading the materials about their chosen behavior, participants will be asked write an essay about their behavior of choice (studying/exercising). For this essay they will be asked to imagine that they have reached their ideal level of academic achievement/fitness, describe what this would look and feel like, and reflect on how this would impact how they view themselves, their relationships, and their day to day life.
Action Planning
After reading the materials about their chosen behavior, participants will be asked to make a detailed plan for the following two weeks based on the following items taken from a study by Sniehotta and colleagues (2004): 1) when to complete studying/exercise, 2) where to complete studying/exercise, 3) how to complete studying/exercise (e.g., what types of exercise- cardio, class, etc. or what types of studying activities- reading, taking notes, creating outlines, etc.), and 4) how often to complete studying/exercise. Participants will be given a calendar as an aid to planning their behavior.
Reflection (Control Condition)
After reading the materials about their chosen behavior, participants will be asked to summarize and reflect on what they read.
Boston University Charles River Campus
OTHER