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Dr Rachel Avery

Lecturer

Qualifications: PhD Psychology (Goldsmiths, University of London, 2012)
MSc Occupational Psychology (Goldsmiths, University of London, 2008)
BSc Psychology (University of Kent, 2006)

Email:
Phone: Work: 01483 68 6862
Room no: 34 AD 02

Office hours

Thursdays:
9am to 10am
and
2.30pm to 3.30pm

Further information

Research Interests

I am interested in contributing to the motivation-cognition interface by developing understanding of how differently motivated individuals might differ in terms of the cognitive process engaged during goal pursuit. I am particularly interested in motivational modulation of cognitive control components and my work to date has primarily attended to the impact of achievement goals (mastery-performance, approach-avoidance) on working memory processing. This has particular relevance to applied interventions (classroom, workplace) in terms of shaping cognitive control through motivational manipulation.

Publications

Journal articles

  • Avery RE, Smillie LD. (2012) 'The Impact of Achievement Goal States on Working Memory'. Springer Verlag Motivation and Emotion,
    doi: 10.1007/s11031-012-9287-4
    Full text is available at: http://epubs.surrey.ac.uk/728048/

    Abstract

    The present study examines the influence of achievement goal states on working memory under varying executive load. Seventy-six undergraduate students were randomly assigned to either a mastery-approach condition (goal was to develop self-referential competence), a performance- approach condition (goal was to demonstrate normative competence) or a control condition (no goal assigned) prior to completing the N-Back working memory task. Analyses revealed achievement goal effects on working memory under high executive load (3-back) but not under the less demanding loads (1-back, 2-back). Under high load, pursuit of a performance-approach goal resulted in poorer working memory processing than pursuit of a mastery-approach goal or no-goal control. Findings are unlikely to be confounded by cognitive ability, working memory capacity or state-anxiety. Contributions to the motivation–cognition interface and suggestions for future research are discussed.

Book chapters

  • Smillie LD, Loxton NJ, Avery RE. (2011) 'Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory, Research, Applications, and Future.'. in Chamorro-Premuzic T, Stumm SV, Furnham A (eds.) The Wiley-Blackwell Handbook of Individual Differences Wiley-Blackwell Article number 4
    Full text is available at: http://epubs.surrey.ac.uk/728661/

    Abstract

    In this chapter we review the approach-avoidance process theory of personality proposed by Jeffrey Alan Gray (1970, 1973), now widely known as reinforcement sensitivity theory (RST). We begin by placing RST in the broader context of theory and research concerning approach and avoidance motivation. We then provide a snapshot of the animal research upon which the brain-behavior systems of RST were based. Next we discuss the vexed issue of how these systems might manifest themselves in personality space, and we review the latest empirical tests of RST as an explanation of personality variation. Finally, we consider applications of RST beyond personality: specifically, we review current opinion on the relevance of RST to psychopathology and clinical dysfunction and the potential for RST to underlie achievement motivation in learning and performance contexts. We conclude by looking to the future and highlighting a major challenge that we believe RST now faces.

Avery, R. E. (in prep). The Effectiveness of State Achievement Goal Manipulation Methods: A Meta-Analysis.

Avery, R. E. (under review). Employee Achievement Orientations, Personality, and, Expectation Based Job Satisfaction and Satisfaction with Ones Own Job Performance.

Avery, R. E., Smillie, L. D., & de Fockert, J. W. (under review). The Role of Working Memory in Achievement Goal Pursuit.

Avery, R. E., & Smillie, L. D. (May, 2012). Achievement Orientations Modulate Working Memory Resources. Symposium Presentation at the Annual Meeting of the Society for the Study of Motivation, Chicago.

Avery, R. E., & Smillie, L. D. (May, 2010). Achievement Motivation and Simple vs Complex Span. Poster presented at the Annual Meeting of the Society for the Study of Motivation, Boston.

Avery, R. E., & Smillie, L. D. (November, 2009). Mastery-Approach and Performance-Approach Goal Pursuit, and Working Memory. Poster presented at the International Congress on Cognition, Emotion and Motivation, Tunisia.

Teaching

Introduction to Work and Organisational Psychology (Final Year UG Module Convenor)

Social Psychology of Organisations and Institutions (PG Module Convenor)

Organisational Behaviour (PG Contributing Lecturer)

Undergraduate and Postgraduate Dissertation Supervisor

Departmental Duties

Lab Token Scheme Administrator

SONA Research Database Administrator - Would you like to take part in University of Surrey Psychology Research? Please email me for a participant login. 

Volunteer Research Apprentice Scheme Administrator - Second Year Psychology Student Scheme.

Additional Information

Chartered Psychologist (CPsychol)

Full member of the Division for Teachers and Researchers in Psychology

Member of the Division of Occupational Psychology

Professional Member of the British Psychological Society Psychological Test Centre (PTC)  - Certificate of Competence in Occupational Testing

Member of the Society for the Study of Motivation