Accession Number:

AD0672174

Title:

THE EFFECTS OF GROUP COMPETITION UPON STUDENT PERFORMANCE,

Descriptive Note:

Corporate Author:

GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIV ALEXANDRIA VA HUMAN RESOURCES RESEARCH OFFICE

Personal Author(s):

• Kubala,Albert L.
• Christensen,Harold E.

Report Date:

1968-06-01

Pagination or Media Count:

49.0

Abstract:

In a study to determine whether group competition is effective in improving motivation in technical training, two experimental classes were divided into four groups each, equal in size and mean aptitude. Each group competed with each of the other groups during successive two-week intervals. The winner in each pairing was the group that failed the smallest percentage of regularly scheduled school examinations during the period. Low-cost and recognition-type rewards were presented to members of winning groups. Peer ratings and an attitude questionnaire were administered before the first examination, and again after four weeks. The peer rating on desire to succeed and the questionnaire, both presumably measuring motivation, seemed to be valid predictors of success. Group competition did appear to be an effective means of improving academic performance of the lower aptitude men. The competition grouping was found to influence friendship choices on the peer ratings. Author

Descriptors:

• (*GROUP DYNAMICS
• PERFORMANCE(HUMAN))
• (*MOTIVATION
• *TRAINING)
• MILITARY TRAINING
• ATTRITION
• STUDENTS
• MILITARY PERSONNEL
• ATTITUDES(PSYCHOLOGY)

Subject Categories:

• Humanities and History
• Psychology

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE