The Ostrich Problem
When and why people fail to monitor their goal progress
An ERC-funded Starting Grant awarded to Dr Thomas Webb
November 2011 - October 2015
*** NEW 6-MONTH POST AVAILABLE - CLOSING DATE 11th MAY 2012 ***
An exciting opportunity exists for a Post-doctoral Research Associate to join the team . You will work on a systematic review (using meta-analysis) of the effect of self-monitoring interventions on behaviour and behavioural outcomes.
You should have experience conducting systematic reviews and meta-analyses and writing up such research for publication. You will be required to develop the search protocol, review the literature, code relevant studies, conduct the meta-analysis, and help to disseminate the findings via academic publication and presentation.
You will have a PhD (or equivalent experience) in social, health, or clinical psychology (or related field). Knowledge of research on goal striving and self-regulation would be advantageous. You will need to be highly organized and prepared to work hard in order to deliver an ambitious review within a relatively tight timeframe.
The post is for a fixed-term of 6 months and available from 1st June 2012. For further details about how to apply please visit the University jobs pages and search for appointment UOS004378
About the project
One of the most significant challenges facing science and society is how to promote lasting changes in people’s behaviour. What kinds of interventions influence the behaviours that lead to obesity or persuade people to use less energy in their homes? This project argues that one reason that people struggle to change is that they fail to monitor the relation between their current behaviour and their desired behaviour. For example, few people watch their weight, monitor their household energy consumption, check their bank balances, look at nutrition labels on food and so on.
This active ignoring of information about one’s current standing relative to one’s goals – termed here ‘the ostrich problem’ – is part of popular culture, yet current scientific perspectives assume that people will actively monitor and seek information on their progress. As a consequence, theoretical frameworks fail to adequately describe and predict the outcomes of behaviour change efforts and current interventions fall short of promise. The project aims to challenge the assumption made by current theoretical frameworks and to investigate the nature and implications of the ostrich problem. The research will seek to explain why the ostrich problem exists and test avenues for intervention.