Psychological mechanisms underlying the Köhler motivation gain.
Sometimes group work conditions lead to motivation gains rather than to social loafing. Two theoretical explanations for the Köhler motivation gain effect are identified, one stressing social comparison and a second stressing the indispensability of one's effort to the group. The results of three new experiments are reported. Experiment 1 suggested that both explanations are valid and contribute to the Köhler effect. Prior studies suggested that there might be gender differences in the relative importance of these two explanatory processes. Experiment 2 confirmed this suggestion. In Experiment 3, the gender difference was eliminated by priming women with a goal (viz., competition) presumed to be chronically more important to men. It is argued that the relative importance of these two motivational processes will depend on the immediate and chronic importance attached to more personal (viz., to achieve a favorable social comparison) versus collective (viz., to contribute to one's group) goals.
Kerr
Norbert L
NL
Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824-1116, USA. kerr@msu.edu
Messé
Lawrence A
LA
Seok
Dong-Heon
DH
Sambolec
Eric J
EJ
Lount
Robert B
RB
Park
Ernest S
ES
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003163:Competitive Behavior; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D005221:Fatigue / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D005783:Gender Identity; D006040:Goals; D006126:Group Processes; D006801:Humans; D009042:Motivation; D010807:Physical Endurance; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000523:psychology; D011582:Psychological Theory; D012718:Set, Psychology; D012737:Sex Factors; D012932:Social Facilitation; D012933:Social Identification; D014891:Weight Lifting / Q000523:psychology