A Revised Framework for the Investigation of Expectation Update Versus Maintenance in the Context of Expectation Violations: The ViolEx 2.0 Model.

Christian Panitz,Dominik Endres,Erik M Mueller,Matthias F J Sperl,Zahra Khosrowtaj,Sarah Teige-Mocigemba,Merle Buchholz,Martin Pinquart,Anna Schubö,Alexander C Schütz

doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2021.726432

Abstract

Expectations are probabilistic beliefs about the future that shape and influence our perception, affect, cognition, and behavior in many contexts. This makes expectations a highly relevant concept across basic and applied psychological disciplines. When expectations are confirmed or violated, individuals can respond by either updating or maintaining their prior expectations in light of the new evidence. Moreover, proactive and reactive behavior can change the probability with which individuals encounter expectation confirmations or violations. The investigation of predictors and mechanisms underlying expectation update and maintenance has been approached from many research perspectives. However, in many instances there has been little exchange between different research fields. To further advance research on expectations and expectation violations, collaborative efforts across different disciplines in psychology, cognitive (neuro)science, and other life sciences are warranted. For fostering and facilitating such efforts, we introduce the ViolEx 2.0 model, a revised framework for interdisciplinary research on cognitive and behavioral mechanisms of expectation update and maintenance in the context of expectation violations. To support different goals and stages in interdisciplinary exchange, the ViolEx 2.0 model features three model levels with varying degrees of specificity in order to address questions about the research synopsis, central concepts, or functional processes and relationships, respectively. The framework can be applied to different research fields and has high potential for guiding collaborative research efforts in expectation research.

Highlights

We use expectations about us, others, and the world around us to anticipate the future and to help us navigate through our environment successfully
We developed the Violated Expectations (ViolEx) 2.0 model (ViolEx 2.0, in short) with the aims to (a) refine definitions of central constructs and their arrangement in the model where needed, (b) specify functional relationships between the different processes and moderators, and (c) elaborate on the role of behavior in expectation update versus maintenance
We introduced the ViolEx 2.0 model, an interdisciplinary framework for studying predictors and mechanisms of expectation update and maintenance, in the context of expectation violations

Summary

Introduction

We use expectations about us, others, and the world around us to anticipate the future and to help us navigate through our environment successfully. Expectations influence our decisions and shape our behavior in anticipation of expected experiences in many ways: Expectations help optimizing functional behaviors, from visual search and simple action execution to complex behavioral. Stereotypical expectations about others influence how we perceive and treat people who hold different political views, belong to different ethnic or religious groups, or have physical or mental health issues. Treatment expectations influence if we adhere to psychotherapy and how much we benefit from it. Performance expectations influence how we set, adapt, and pursue our goals. Expectations are relevant in many areas of life and across psychological disciplines (Roese and Sherman, 2007; Hoorens, 2012; Kruglanski et al, 2020)

Objectives

Conclusion