November 29, 2007: E. Tory Higgins (Columbia University)

Thomas M. Ostrom Scholar in Residence

• http://higgins.socialpsychology.org/

Value From Hedonic Experience AND Engagement

Recognizing that value involves experiencing pleasure or pain is critical to understanding the psychology of value. But hedonic experience is not enough. I will present a new theory which proposes that strength of engagement also contributes to experienced value through its contribution to the experience of motivational force - an experience of the intensity of the force of attraction to or repulsion from the value target. The subjective pleasure/pain properties of a value target influence strength of engagement, but there are factors separate from the hedonic properties of the value target that also influence engagement strength and thus contribute to the experience of attraction or repulsion. I will present evidence of how various sources of engagement strength can create value, including using the right or proper means of goal pursuit, opposition to interfering forces, and regulatory fit.

Note: Dr. Higgins' visit is funded by the Thomas M. Ostrom Scholar in Residence Fund. Contributions may be made through the OSU Development Office.