skip to main content skip to footer

Performance Factors Contributing to the Acquisition of a Psychological Advantage in Competition

Author(s):
Myers, Albert E.
Publication Year:
1964
Report Number:
RB-64-03
Source:
ETS Research Bulletin
Document Type:
Report
Page Count:
32
Subject/Key Words:
Office of Naval Research, Competition, Failure (Psychology), Performance Factors, Psychological Patterns, Success

Abstract

The purpose of this experiment was to investigate psychological advantages in competitive encounters. Twenty Ss participated in four-man tournaments using shuffleboard bowling machines. By remote control, the experimenter was able to manipulate the scores. A 2 x 2 factorial design controlled for the mean performance (high vs. low) and the variability (high vs. low) of each S. It was found that the low mean Ss gained a psychological advantage in this situation which was characterized by a pessimistic outlook and poor strategy selection on the part of their opponents.

Read More