Psychological need for progress
Is there a psychological need for a sense of progress?
This idea asks whether perceived progress functions as a basic motivational ingredient or as a downstream signal of competence, autonomy, meaning, or hope.
Possible study designs:
- Experimentally manipulate perceived progress while holding objective performance constant.
- Test whether progress feedback affects motivation, persistence, well-being, or meaning.
- Compare progress with competence feedback and autonomy-supportive feedback.
Key risks:
- Progress may not be a distinct need; it may be an appraisal related to competence or goal pursuit.
- Artificial progress feedback may be experienced as manipulative.
Related ideas: