Construal level theory
Encyclopedia
Construal level theory (CLT) is a theory in social psychology
that describes the relation between psychological distance and the extent to which people's thinking (e.g., about objects
and events) is abstract
or concrete. . The general idea is that the more distant an object is from the individual the more abstract it will be thought of, while the opposite relation between closeness and concreteness is true as well. In CLT, psychological distance is defined on several dimensions - temporal
, spatial
, social
and hypothetical distance being considered most important, though there is some debate among social psychologists about further dimensions like informational, experiential or affective distance.
An example of construal level effects would be that although planning one's next summer vacation one year in advance will evoke rather abstract thoughts about holidays (e.g., anticipating fun and relaxation), the very same vacation planned to occur very soon will evoke more concrete expectations (e.g. having a drink at the hotel pool, going for a trip in an off-road vehicle, having oysters at a restaurant).
Social psychology
Social psychology is the scientific study of how people's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by the actual, imagined, or implied presence of others. By this definition, scientific refers to the empirical method of investigation. The terms thoughts, feelings, and behaviors include all...
that describes the relation between psychological distance and the extent to which people's thinking (e.g., about objects
Entity
An entity is something that has a distinct, separate existence, although it need not be a material existence. In particular, abstractions and legal fictions are usually regarded as entities. In general, there is also no presumption that an entity is animate.An entity could be viewed as a set...
and events) is abstract
Abstraction
Abstraction is a process by which higher concepts are derived from the usage and classification of literal concepts, first principles, or other methods....
or concrete. . The general idea is that the more distant an object is from the individual the more abstract it will be thought of, while the opposite relation between closeness and concreteness is true as well. In CLT, psychological distance is defined on several dimensions - temporal
Time
Time is a part of the measuring system used to sequence events, to compare the durations of events and the intervals between them, and to quantify rates of change such as the motions of objects....
, spatial
Space
Space is the boundless, three-dimensional extent in which objects and events occur and have relative position and direction. Physical space is often conceived in three linear dimensions, although modern physicists usually consider it, with time, to be part of a boundless four-dimensional continuum...
, social
Social distance
Social distance describes the distance between different groups of society and is opposed to locational distance. The notion includes all differences such as social class, race/ethnicity or sexuality, but also the fact that the different groups do not mix...
and hypothetical distance being considered most important, though there is some debate among social psychologists about further dimensions like informational, experiential or affective distance.
An example of construal level effects would be that although planning one's next summer vacation one year in advance will evoke rather abstract thoughts about holidays (e.g., anticipating fun and relaxation), the very same vacation planned to occur very soon will evoke more concrete expectations (e.g. having a drink at the hotel pool, going for a trip in an off-road vehicle, having oysters at a restaurant).