Research article summary (published 29 Apr 2007):

Psychological mechanisms underlying the Köhler motivation gain.

Full Abstract

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.

Author information

Author/s: Kerr, Norbert L (NL); Messé, Lawrence A (LA); Seok, Dong-Heon (DH); Sambolec, Eric J (EJ); Lount, Robert B (RB); Park, Ernest S (ES);

Affiliation: Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824-1116, USA. kerr(-atsign-)msu.edu

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

Journal: Personality and social psychology bulletin (Pers Soc Psychol Bull), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2007-Jun; vol 33 (issue 6) : pp 828-41

Dates: Created 2007/05/28; Completed 2007/08/17;

PMID: 17475617, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 2/18/2009, IMS Date: )

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Adolescent Adult Competitive Behavior Cooperative Behavior Fatigue - psychology Female Gender Identity Goals Group Processes Humans

Humans Motivation Physical Endurance Physical Fitness - psychology Psychological Theory Set (Psychology) Sex Factors Social Facilitation Social Identification Weight Lifting - psychology

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