Mental Representation

In thinking about the “mere-measurement effect” I really had hoped someone would just ask me if I was intending on ever finishing the Research Methods paper. I really needed all the help I could get. But - no such luck … instead I am stuck with the “procrastination effect” mulling over ideas and interests as opposed to just writing down the damn question and getting to it. But reading onward in “When Questions Change Behaviour”, I began to re-think my paper’s focus. The more I read - the more I questioned. The more I questioned - The more I changed direction. In a positive light - I guess you could say that all of that questioning might move you to think in new, vast and lateral directions. But certainly, the inactivity of distraction cannot be a good thing. Perhaps it is a mixed bag. Regardless, it did seem to do the trick. Thinking about how information in the form of a question, statement or utterance of intent could alter future behaviours seems somehow relevant in my chosen area of addiction research. This automatic mental representation or thought simulation of intended behaviour helped me in a big way. It brought me far enough away from shuddering about Jesse Helms and closer to the reality of finishing my paper. I think I will actually be ok.

ps. I also really appreciated that Twitter guide from Alyssa. 

pps. Mary, the name of the video was People Are Knowledge and I couldn’t agree more with you about your thoughts on conversations as an essential resource.