Slip Conditions

These are summarized in Heckhausen and Beckmann, section on Schema for Categorizing Action Slips.

  • Initiation slips --- produces sidetracking --- mistakenly starting something; not starting something when appropriate
  • Implementation slips --- step skipping; action triggers a common next step and then skips the main point of the goal
  • Termination slips --- prematurely deactivating a goal with unfinished business (overlapping goal)

Discussion questions

  • Forgetting an email attachment belongs to which category?
  • Forgetting to take an ATM card after withdrawing cash belongs to which category?
  • What is the difference between a slip and other mistakes?
  • Can slips occur with first-time use interfaces? Examples?