What is Motivation?

Whilst willpower is considered as an essential tool with which to maintain effortful, goal-directed behaviour, it is equally important to address how such behaviour can be initially motivated. When an individual is first faced with the task of changing their behaviour, motivation may appear a slippery commodity. Moreover, encouraging populations to become motivated in the…

By Rhi Willmot 5 April 2016 0

The Particular Importance of Keeping Cold

Dual-process theory describes the existence of two decision-making systems; the evaluative, rational ‘cold’ and the impulsive, instinctive ‘hot’. Cognitive bias can influence both systems, however we are more likely to employ bias when the cold system is compromised, given its lower effort requirement as a decision-making tool. Although cognitive biases can help us to make…

By Rhi Willmot 19 March 2016 0

Out of Time vs. Out of Touch

Dual-process theory describes the existence of two systems, which largely dictate how we make decisions. The complications and complexities of modern life often mean that our resource-dependent ‘cold’ system can become overwhelmed – we simply don’t have the cognitive capacity to make decision after decision in a rational manner. Cognitive biases refer to mental representations which…

By Rhi Willmot 18 February 2016 0

Why Do We Do One Thing and Say Another?

Throughout history, our behaviour has been dominated by an innate drive for survival. Often our strongest desires are also the ones that are the oldest evolutionarily; the congenital impulses that will aid our ability to reproduce and pass on our genes to the next generation. Over time, the brain has developed and evolved to enable…

By Rhi Willmot 10 February 2016 0

Changing Behaviour at Bangor University

Over 40 academics attended our Research Innovation workshop on behaviour change. I don’t think I am exaggerating when I say that it was a vibrant and excited crowd of people who we keen to make the most of the 4 hour session. There were some hungry looking faces by the end, but talk of obesity…

By JuanParki 10 April 2013 0

Helping Business Behave

We all know how to live a better life. For a start, we would eat more fruit and vegetables, we would exercise more, probably drink a little less. We would also stop smoking. We would work hard and enjoy the time we have with our friends and families. We’d also do more in the local…

By JuanParki 12 March 2013 0

Kolding Design Camp 2012

What do you do when you want to change someone’s behaviour? You can ask them to change. You could put up a poster. Perhaps try and explain why they should change. Or alternatively, you could make subtle changes to the environment to subtly influence the automatic behaviour of the individual to do what you want…

By JuanParki 24 October 2012 0