Psychological distance as a function of psychological need.

Abstract

There were 2 expts. in which rats were given extensive training in distance discrimination problems. The exptl. technique provided that the distance discrimination could not be made in terms of local sensory cues on the path itself, or in terms of orientation in the room environment. The rats achieved a relatively high level of discrimination performance. This discrimination was not made with respect to the temporal dimension, but solely with respect to the energy-expenditure. or work, dimension of psychological distance. Critical trials were given in which the animals performed in the situation under conditions of 48 hr. and 12 hr. intensities of hunger need, as compared with the usual 24 hr. need. A substantial increase was found in psychological distance under conditions of increased need, and a substantial decrease in psychological distance under conditions of decreased need. Theoretical interpretation of these results is presented.