Our description of the affect model in Chapter 8 was intended to convey the essence of its ideas without letting you be distracted too readily into side issues. But questions naturally arise in thinking about those themes. Some questions pertain to the model itself and how it works, others pertain to the relation between this model and other approaches. In this chapter we address some of these matters, starting with questions about the model itself.

META-LEVEL STANDARDS

Consider first reference values at the meta level. Several questions can be raised about these values.

Meta-Level Standards Vary in Stringency

Most basically, what reference value does the meta system use? It depends on what behavior the person is engaged in. We assume the meta system can implement standards that vary widely across contexts. Sometimes the standard is demanding, sometimes less so. Sometimes it's imposed from outside (as when work has a deadline for completion), sometimes it derives from social comparison (as when people are in competition), sometimes it's self-imposed (as when someone has a personal timetable for career development). Regardless of origins, of course, the standard must be adopted by the person in order for it to have affective consequences.

An example where the meta standard is both stringent and externally imposed is degree programs in medical or law school. Even continuous behavioral progress (increments in mastery of material) is adequate only if it occurs at or above the rate required by the degree program.