Group sex composition and member task motivation

Previous research and the performance prescriptions of traditional sex roles suggested that even when sex differences in ability were effectively eliminated, males would increase and females would decrease their motivation when working in a mixed-sex group. To test this prediction, the task performance of members of same- and mixed-sex dyads was compared with individual controls. The results supported the prediction for males, but not for females. Both males and females were better motivated in mixed-sex dyads than when working individually. Neither males nor females were any better motivated in same-sex dyads than when working individually. Several alternative explanations for these results are discussed: The consequences of mixed-sex group composition for motivation may have been due to greater cohesiveness, greater concern with one's partner's performance expectations, increased self-awareness, or increased drive level in mixed-sex groups. The possible mediating role of perceived sex differences in ability is discussed, as well as several external validity questions.