In two experiments, we assessed the effects of decision routines on the effectiveness of implementing routine-deviation intentions in binary decisions. Frequency of prior routine repetition and time ...pressure were varied as the independent variables. We assumed that, under severe time pressure, individuals will tend to maintain their routine when re-encountering the same choice problem, even after having formed the intention to choose an alternative behavior. Under severe time pressure (700
ms/choice), participants committed relapse errors in over 70% of their choices, i.e., they chose the routine counter to their deviation intention. Under mild time pressure (1400
ms) relapse errors occurred in less than 30% of the choices. The prevalence of relapse errors under severe time pressure was equally high in weak and strong routine decisions. Relapse errors occurred even though participants had formed implementation intentions and were paid contingent upon their performance.
In two experiments we studied the effects of behavioral models on routine deviation decisions in observers. Participants repeatedly chose among four card-deck lotteries together with a human model ...(confederate, Exp. 1) or a non-human model (computer, Exp. 2) that made correct decisions in the majority of the trials. In a learning phase, participants acquired a choice routine (preferring one deck over others). In a subsequent test phase, participants had to adapt to changes in the payoff structure that required them to deviate from their routine. We found a strong tendency to maintain the routine despite negative feedback (routine effect). In a social situation (Exp.1), models decrease routine effects more intensely than in non social situations (Exp.2). The process of adaptation follows a belief updating process. Results indicate that the model effect is not due to an increase of the sample of relevant information nor to application of a simply copy heuristic. Rather, deviation models may provide a cue for change that fosters reevaluation of the situation in the observer.
In two experiments we studied the effects of behavioral models on routine deviation decisions in observers. Participants repeatedly chose among four card-deck lotteries together with a human model ...(confederate, Exp. 1) or a non-human model (computer, Exp. 2) that made correct decisions in the majority of the trials. In a learning phase, participants acquired a choice routine (preferring one deck over others). In a subsequent test phase, participants had to adapt to changes in the payoff structure that required them to deviate from their routine. We found a strong tendency to maintain the routine despite negative feedback (routine effect). In a social situation (Exp.1), models decrease routine effects more intensely than in non social situations (Exp.2). The process of adaptation follows a belief updating process. Results indicate that the model effect is not due to an increase of the sample of relevant information nor to application of a simply copy heuristic. Rather, deviation models may provide a cue for change that fosters reevaluation of the situation in the observer.
