Department or Program
Psychology
Abstract
This research explores the balance between habitual and goal-directed behavior using de Wit’s Slips of Action Task across three experiments. Experiment 1 (N = 50) examines the impact of time pressure on decision-making, hypothesizing that time constraints will lead to increased reliance on habitual actions due to impaired cognitive control. Experiment 2 (N = 60) compares the effects of negative punishment in the learning stage to this task’s traditionally utilized feedback method of positive reinforcement. It is expected that punishment will enhance inhibitory control and reduce impulsive responses, leading to improved cognitive control. Experiment 3 (N = 109) investigates the relationship between creativity and performance on the slips of action task, proposing that individuals with higher creativity will demonstrate greater cognitive flexibility and inhibitory control, and therefore perform better on the slips of action task. Data support the first hypothesis (Experiment 1) but fail to support the other hypotheses (Experiments 2 and 3). Together these experiments provide valuable insights into how cognitive, situational, and individual factors influence the balance between habitual and goal-directed behaviors, offering a deeper understanding of the mechanisms driving decision-making and behavioral regulation
Level of Access
Restricted: Embargoed [Open Access After Expiration]
First Advisor
Kahan, Todd
Date of Graduation
5-2025
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts
Recommended Citation
Joaquin, Olivia R., "Situations of Habituation: Examining Habitual versus Goal-Directed Behaviors Under de Wit’s Slips of Action Task" (2025). Honors Theses. 495.
https://scarab.bates.edu/honorstheses/495
Number of Pages
69
Components of Thesis
1 pdf
