Do we self-regulate actions or perceptions? A test of two computational models

Self-regulation theories in applied psychology disagree about whether action or perceptions are the focus of regulation. Computational models based on the two conceptualizations were constructed and simulated. In one scenario, they performed identically and in conjunction with participants in a study of the goal-level effect (Vancouver et al., Organ Res Methods 8:100–127, 2005). In another scenario they created differentiating predictions and only the computational model based on the self-regulation of perceptions matched the data of participants. Implications for research and practice are discussed.

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