My research deals with the concept of attitudes and, in particular, the relation between verbal attitudes and overt behavior. In addition to continuing my work on the theory of planned behavior, I am currently interested in three main issues.

Relation Between Intentions and Actions

Being hypothetical, intentions tend to overestimate readiness to perform desirable behaviors and underestimate readiness to perform undesirable behaviors. My research deals with the possibility of correcting these biases in the context of contingent value measurement, and with the role of implementation intentions.

Automatic/Habitual versus Reasoned Behavior

Although incorporating automatic processes, the theory of planned behavior generally assumes reasoned processes underlying attitudes and actions. In contrast, strong and unmediated links between prior and later behavior imply habituation in a process that bypasses intentions. My work focuses on the role of accuracy in perceived behavioral control as a possible explanatory mechanism.

Information Accuracy or Knowledge

Accurate information is considered necessary for effective action, yet empirical evidence provides little support for a relation between knowledge and behavior. My research explores the differences between beliefs, information, and knowledge -- and the role of knowledge in the prediction of intentions and behavior.