Attributional Analysis of Perceived Reward for Collaborative Projects

• In Event: Poster Session 8
  In Poster Session: Contextual and Cultural Influences on Motivation, Engagement, and Affect

Abstract

This study used attribution theory to analyze students’ perceived deservingness of reward for themselves and their partners for collaborative projects. Participants responded to hypothetical scenarios that varied outcome of the project, and self and partner ability and effort. Results supported predictions that deservingness of reward would be greater for success than failure outcomes, and for high effort vs. low effort, but not for high ability vs. low ability. Results failed to support the prediction that students would rate themselves higher than their partner, based on the self-centered attribution bias. Ratings for partner’s deservingness of reward appear to involve interactions with outcome of the project. Results are discussed within an attribution theory framework.

Authors

• Sarah E. Peterson, University of Texas at El Paso

• James B. Schreiber, Duquesne University