The contextual regulation of goal-directed actions

Goal-directed actions typically transfer readily between contexts, but this is not always the case. Goal-directed actions do not transfer across contexts just after they are initially learned, or when multiple, competing response-outcome contingencies exist, or when the context is highly emotionally salient. Goal-directed actions are, thus, context-dependent under each of these conditions. Here we review the studies that have led to these findings, and discuss the potentially unique psychological mechanisms that could underlie the context-dependency of goal-directed actions in each instance.

Automated summary

Goal-directed actions may not transfer across contexts immediately after learning, in the presence of multiple competing response-outcome contingencies, or in highly emotionally salient contexts. Therefore, goal-directed actions are context-dependent under these conditions.