High construal level reduces overoptimistic performance prediction

• Jin Yan

  Zhejiang University

• Songhui Hou

  NetEase, Inc., Hangzhou

• Alexander Unger

  University of Applied Science Ludwigshafen

Overoptimistic performance prediction is a very common feature of people’s goal-directed behavior. In this study we examined overoptimistic prediction as a function of construal level. In construal level theory an explanation is set out with regard to how people make predictions through the abstract connections between past and future events, with high-level construal bridging near and distant events. We conducted 2 experiments to confirm our hypothesis that, compared with people with local, concrete construals, people with global, abstract construals would make predictions that were less overoptimistic. In Study 1 we manipulated construal level by priming mindset, and participants (n = 81) predicted the level of their productivity in an anagram task. The results supported our hypothesis. In Study 2, in order to improve the generalizability of the conclusion, we varied the manipulation of the construal level by priming a scenario, and measured performance prediction by having the participants (n = 119) estimate task duration. The results showed that high-level construal consistently decreased overoptimistic prediction, supporting our hypothesis. The theoretical implications of our findings are discussed.

1. Jin Yan, Zhejiang University
   School of Management
2. Alexander Unger, University of Applied Science Ludwigshafen
   Institute of International Management Studies

• PDF
  (USD 29)