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Psychological Mechanisms Underlying the Kohler Motivation Gain

Kerr, Norbert L., Messe, L. A., Seok, Dong-Heon, Sambolec, Eric J., Lount, Robert B., Park, Ernest S. (2007) Psychological Mechanisms Underlying the Kohler Motivation Gain. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 33 (6). pp. 828-841. ISSN 0146-1672. (doi:10.1177/0146167207301020) (The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided) (KAR id:41677)

The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided.
Official URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0146167207301020

Abstract

Sometimes group work conditions lead to motivation gains rather than to social loafing. Two theoretical explanations for the Köhler motivation gain effect are identified, one stressing social comparison and a second stressing the indispensability of one's effort to the group. The results of three new experiments are reported. Experiment 1 suggested that both explanations are valid and contribute to the Köhler effect. Prior studies suggested that there might be gender differences in the relative importance of these two explanatory processes. Experiment 2 confirmed this suggestion. In Experiment 3, the gender difference was eliminated by priming women with a goal (viz., competition) presumed to be chronically more important to men. It is argued that the relative importance of these two motivational processes will depend on the immediate and chronic importance attached to more personal (viz., to achieve a favorable social comparison) versus collective (viz., to contribute to one's group) goals.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1177/0146167207301020
Uncontrolled keywords: groups; performance; motivation gain; indispensability; social comparison
Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
Divisions: Divisions > Division of Human and Social Sciences > School of Psychology
Depositing User: M.L. Barnoux
Date Deposited: 01 Jul 2014 17:02 UTC
Last Modified: 16 Nov 2021 10:16 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/41677 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

University of Kent Author Information

Kerr, Norbert L..

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