Plans are mental representations of actions with some level of intention attached to them. They vary in level of detail and firmness of intention. We are motivated to form plans when: 1) the action is not appropriate now but relates to a future set of circumstances, 2) the action could be performed now but it is judged that it would be better to perform it at a more appropriate time, and 3) the action is attractive but does not have a high enough priority to displace current or other planned activities.
The Basics
The PRIME diagram captures the structure of the motivational system and the paths of influence within it. Elements can only influence other elements if they are adjacent to them.
Thus, plans encompass the other elements and come first because they give our lives structure and order and provide the link between evaluations and motives at one time and actions at a future time, but they can only influence actions if they are remembered and generate evaluations at that time. Then evaluations can only influence actions through motives which can only influence actions through impulses/inhibitions. And at every level there are direct influences from internal and external stimuli competing for priority.
Click on each element to bring up a description of it.
Thus, plans encompass the other elements and come first because they give our lives structure and order and provide the link between evaluations and motives at one time and actions at a future time, but they can only influence actions if they are remembered and generate evaluations at that time. Then evaluations can only influence actions through motives which can only influence actions through impulses/inhibitions. And at every level there are direct influences from internal and external stimuli competing for priority.
Click on each element to bring up a description of it.
