COUNTERFACTUAL VIEWPOINTS: HOW OUR VIEWPOINT OF UNDOING THE PAST SHAPES OUR FUTURE EXPECTATIONS AND PERFORMANCE

Increasing research attention has been given to the impact of visual viewpoints involved in imagination and memory, as well as the perceived likelihood of counterfactual alternatives (i.e., counterfactual potency), on subsequent psychological and behavioral reactions. Yet, the possibility of counterfactual viewpoints has not been investigated. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect manipulating counterfactual viewpoint has on succeeding expectancy and performance, and whether these relationships are mediated by counterfactual potency. Participants' were instructed to simulate upward counterfactual thoughts about their performance in an initial Ping Pong game from either the field or observer counterfactual viewpoint; after which, they reported their counterfactual potency and future performance expectations before playing the game a final time. As hypothesized, the results revealed that among those with high domain-specific ability the observer counterfactual viewpoint led to greater perceived likelihood of counterfactual alternatives, and in turn, greater optimism for future performance. Interestingly, however, it was the field counterfactual viewpoint that actually led to better performance. Explanations for these findings and implications for the construct of counterfactual viewpoints are discussed.

Grantor dc:publisher

Wake Forest University

Year dc:date.issued

2014

Author dc:creator

• Thomas, Stephanie Brooke

• Counterfactual Potency

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/10339/39272

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:wakespace.lib.wfu.edu:10339/39272