This chapter focuses on individual differences in motivation and personality and how motivation affects the link between thinking and doing. A tribute to the work of Donald Broadbent, the chapter supports and furthers observations about individual differences in performance, learning, and motivation. The availability and allocation of cognitive resources are affected by individual differences combined with situational manipulations. Motivation is the vital link between thought and action, knowing and doing.
Motivation affects all stages of information processing.
The authors claim a great deal has changed since Broadbent's 1958 discussion of individual differences, in terms of a theoretical understanding of these dimensions. They advocate deriving a model to further this understanding from the neurobiological model of Jeffrey Gray, the multiple dimensional models of affect of Watson and Tellegen, and those of Thayer. This chapter, though based more on psychology than education, can yield valuable information to educators. Several cognitive maps, charts, and tables provide insight into how individual differences can affect learning. Situational outcomes regarding rewards and punishments are addressed, which may facilitate classroom management knowledge.