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Effects of Self-Monitoring as a Function of its Expected Benefits and Incompatible Response Training

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Abstract

This study investigated the effects of self-monitoring (SM) as a function of expectancy factors and incompatible response training. The monitored response was fingernail biting. Twenty college students who were nail biters were randomly assigned to the following groups: (I) SM alone; (II) SM plus an expectancy that improvement would result from using that procedure; (III) SM plus positive expectancy and incompatible response training; and (IV) a waiting list control. The results showed that the reactivity of SM was determined by the expectancy variable. SM alone did not reduce nail biting, nor did the addition of an incompatible response increase the reactivity of SM. The implications of these results are discussed.

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Katz, R.C., Thomas, S.L. & Williamson, P. Effects of Self-Monitoring as a Function of its Expected Benefits and Incompatible Response Training. Psychol Rec 26, 533–540 (1976). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03394421

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03394421

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