Goal-directed behaviour is a fundamental aspect of human cognition and action. This series explores the psychological underpinnings of self-direction and introduces intuitive mental models to enhance our understanding and practice of goal-directed actions.
Through a combination of accessible metaphors and insights from cognitive psychology, we'll explore the processes that govern how we plan, initiate, monitor, and adjust our actions in pursuit of our goals.
Series Overview
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What is goal-directed behaviour and why does it matter? An introduction to the concept of goal-directed behaviour and its significance in our daily lives.
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Mental models for goal-directed behaviour Introducing four key mental models - Map, Handle, Radar, and Compass - as intuitive tools for understanding and improving self-direction.
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Psychology of goal-directed action A more formal exploration of psychological research on goal-directed action, including executive control processes, action selection, and conflict monitoring.
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Connecting the dots: Mental models and the psychology of goal-directed behaviour Bridging the gap between our intuitive mental models and scientific research, offering practical applications and key takeaways.
This series aims to provide a comprehensive yet accessible exploration of self-direction, blending practical metaphors with scientific insights. By the end, you'll have a richer understanding of how to navigate your goals more effectively and a set of mental tools to describe and observe goal-directed action.
Whether you're a professional looking to optimise your workflow, a student aiming to improve your study habits, or simply someone interested in the mechanics of human behaviour, this series offers valuable perspectives on how we can better understand and drive goal-directed action.