Date : Wednesday, 15 March 2023
Time: 03:00PM
Location: DT-2203 & Online
Abstract: Much as physical landmarks help structure our representation of space, calendars and significant dates structure our perception of time. In this talk I will review three processes by which time representation influences thoughts about the future. First, calendars categorize time into temporal categories, for example when significant dates or events shape a sense of ‘before’ vs ‘after’ this date. When goals or desired selves are separated from the present by being placed in different temporal categories, the perceived gap between present and ideal future states can motivate people to work towards their goal. Second, calendars can signal an opportunity to “start fresh” at the beginning of temporal categories. Third, the way goal pursuit is scheduled in a calendar can affect motivation differently for goals participants feel they have to pursue than for goals participants want to pursue, depending on whether time spent on the goal is seen as loss or gain. In sum, time representation via calendars and significant dates not only influence our mental representation of time but also have the potential to affect our sense of self and how motivated we are to work towards our goals.
Bio:
is a full professor in the department of Psychology at Carleton University. Johanna completed her undergraduate studies in her native Berlin, Germany, and her graduate studies at Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo. Her first appointment was at the University of Cologne and she joined the Department of Psychology at Carleton University in 2011. Her research includes a range of topics broadly connected to cognition about time, money, and relationships. Johanna has published more articles than she is years old and her research has been consistently SSHRC-funded. Her research aims to foster better everyday decisions, including decisions about time management, financial decisions, and relationship maintenance.