Glossary
Comparative imagining of future outcomes
What is Comparative Imagining of Future Outcomes?
Comparative imagining of future outcomes is a technique that asks people to mentally simulate and compare two futures: one where they successfully change their behavior and one where they do not. The comparison is intended to support reflection; it need not increase motivation in every case.
How it works
BCT Taxonomy v1 identifies this as technique 9.3.
Applied example
A person considering quitting smoking could imagine two futures: one in which they quit and one in which they continue. The prompt might ask them to compare likely differences in spending, daily routines, and health. These are possibilities to consider, not a prediction of exactly how either future will unfold.
Why it matters
The question is what the person expects to gain or give up in each future. Whether imagining these futures changes behavior needs to be tested with the people and behavior in question.
The original taxonomy and its definitions specify the technique; separate outcome research is needed to assess effectiveness.