Which statement about implementation intentions is true?

Which statement about implementation intentions is true?

• A. They rely on general goals without cues.
• B. They involve creating if-then plans linking cues to goal-directed responses.
• C. They are primarily used to enhance memory encoding.
• D. They require extensive punishment for failures.

Answer: (B)

Implementation intentions are about turning a goal into action by forming specific if-then plans that link a real cue or situation to a corresponding behavior. By stating “If this cue happens, then I will do this,” you create a mental trigger that automatically activates the chosen action when the cue is encountered. This makes it easier to act in moments of temptation or distraction because the response is pre-linked to the cue and requires less willpower to initiate. That’s why the statement describing linking cues to goal-directed responses through if-then plans is the best fit. It captures how implementation intentions operate to bridge intention and behavior. They aren’t just general goals, they aren’t primarily about memory encoding, and they don’t involve punishment. An example would be: “If it is 7 p.m. on weekdays, then I will go to the gym.”

Implementation intentions are about turning a goal into action by forming specific if-then plans that link a real cue or situation to a corresponding behavior. By stating “If this cue happens, then I will do this,” you create a mental trigger that automatically activates the chosen action when the cue is encountered. This makes it easier to act in moments of temptation or distraction because the response is pre-linked to the cue and requires less willpower to initiate.

That’s why the statement describing linking cues to goal-directed responses through if-then plans is the best fit. It captures how implementation intentions operate to bridge intention and behavior. They aren’t just general goals, they aren’t primarily about memory encoding, and they don’t involve punishment. An example would be: “If it is 7 p.m. on weekdays, then I will go to the gym.”