A Conceptual Framework of Effort and Perception of Effort

Effort and the perception of effort have been extensively studied across multiple disciplines, resulting in disparate definitions across the literature. Inconsistencies in definitions impede scientific progress by blocking effective communication between and within disciplines. Here, we introduce a resource-based framework that comprehensively defines and connects effort and perception of effort, and provide a detailed analysis of these constructs. We define effort in a way that applies to all biological entities, voluntary and involuntary actions, and successful and unsuccessful actions. We define perception of effort such that it builds on our definition of effort without conflating it with other experiences. Our definition of perception of effort also aligns with various explanations regarding its proposed functions and mechanistic underpinnings. We explore the latent nature of these constructs, their employment as independent and dependent variables, and their associations. Our framework also seeks to bridge the gap between cognitive and physical effort and perception of effort, which have been primarily developed in isolation. We anticipate that our framework will facilitate a deeper understanding of these constructs, refine research methodologies and promote interdisciplinary collaborations.