Effects of Cooperation, Competition, and Individualistic Efforts on Interest, Value, and Intrinsic Motivation: A Meta-Analysis

• In Event: Cooperative Learning: New Developments in Theory and Research

Abstract

While interest, value and intrinsic motivation are important for increasing engagement in activities, questions remain about the way different social contexts affect these different types of motivation. Using meta-analysis, this study found robust support for social interdependence theory’s account of the differential effects of cooperation, competition, and individualistic efforts. Specifically, results showed that cooperation increases interest and value more than competitive and individualistic efforts. But surprisingly, there was no evidence that competition decreases intrinsic motivation compared to cooperation and individual efforts. Findings have important implications for theory and practice.

Authors

• Cary J. Roseth, Michigan State University

• Alexandra Lee, Michigan State University

• Brooke Harris-Thomas, Michigan State University

• Tefera Tadesse Jimma, Michigan State University