The Effects of Competition and Perceived Pressure on Performance of a Visual Scanning Task: A Test of Cognitive Evaluation Theory

<p>Cognitive Evaluation Theory was developed by Deci & Ryan, (1985) to explain factors that affect intrinsic motivation. This study was done to test this theory by having volunteers engage in direct and indirect competition while working on a simple task in a time-pressured environment. Specifically, it was predicted that task performance would be adversely affected in competition because participants would be focused on the outcome (winning versus losing), while being faced with a deadline for task completion. In addition, a reduction in intrinsic motivation toward the activity was expected. While these hypotheses were not supported, a proposal was made that certain environments may result in people becoming accustomed to competition and/or pressure, which would explain why this outcome occurred. In addition, females performed better and reported higher levels of intrinsic motivation, which is inconsistent with previous research.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science in Human Factors & Systems

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis - Open Access

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Human Factors and Systems

Year

2004

Author dc:creator

• Adkins, Tanya R.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Christina M. Frederick
• Shawn Michael Doherty
• Geoff Kain

• competition
• pressure
• visual scanning
• cognitive evaluation
• Cognition and Perception
• Cognitive Psychology

Repository record dc:identifier

https://commons.erau.edu/db-theses/2

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:commons.erau.edu:db-theses-1002