Social Comparison Feedback and Its Effects on Intrinsic Motivation: An Experimental Study

• In Event: 66.059 - Poster Session 14
  In Poster Session: 66.059-5 - Poster Session 1: Motivational Processes

Abstract

According to the Big-Fish-Little-Pond Effect (BFLPE; Marsh & Parker, 1984; Marsh, 1987) there are two effects the reference group has on an individuals self-concept: A contrast- and an assimilation-effect. Based on Cognitive Evaluation Theory (CET; Deci & Ryan, 1985) we expect that social comparison information will not only influence self-concept, but also intrinsic motivation. In order to test these theories social comparison feedback was given independently of actual performance in a computer-based learning task. Participants were randomly assigned to 2 (social position) x 2 (strength of reference group) experimental feedback conditions. Results show that both social position and strength of the reference group have an effect on intrinsic motivation of university (N=129) and elementary school students (N=260).

Authors

• Jannis Bosch, Potsdam University

• Jürgen Wilbert