The Psychology of Goals

by Gordon B. Moskowitz (Editor), Heidi Grant (Editor)

Bringing together leading authorities, this tightly edited volume reviews the breadth of current knowledge about goals and their key role in human behavior. Presented are cutting-edge theories and findings that shed light on the ways people select and prioritize goals; how they are pursued; factors that lead to success or failure in achieving particular aims; and consequences for individual functioning and well-being. Thorough attention is given to both conscious and nonconscious processes. The biological, cognitive, affective, and social underpinnings of goals are explored, as is their relationship to other motivational constructs.

Genres: Psychology

548 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 16, 2009

About the author

"I am a social psychologist whose research interests examine thought processes that occur effortlessly and unconsciously, which nonetheless direct how we perceive the world (often without us realizing we have been influenced in any way). A primary focus of this research examines unconscious influences on our impressions of others. For example, the unconscious nature of stereotyping causes people -- even egalitarian-minded people -- to be influenced by stereotypes without them realizing it. This leads to questions regarding how people can control stereotypes from (a) ever entering the mind and (b) influencing evaluations and actions toward others. I also have an interest in more general types of "snap judgments" people make when hearing about, meeting, or observing others. These types of preconscious social judgments lead not only to questions regarding the "automatic" nature of human inferential processes, but the extent to which such unconscious operations can be controlled. My research has also focused on the issue of minority influence, examining how and when a person in the minority can persuade the majority. I also have a continued interest in creativity, especially in how creativity relates to stereotyping and egalitarianism, and the role of consciousness (more precisely, the benefits of removing consciousness) in creative pursuits. This underscores a more general interest in consciousness and how lacking consciousness can often benefit goal pursuit more generally."