Competition and

Cooperation

Prof. Priya Unadkat

Defining Competition

A social process that occurs when rewards are given to people for

how their performance compares with the performances of

others during the same task or when participating in the same

event.

Zero sum game

Direct or Indirect

Public or Private

Competition

Defining Cooperation

A social process through which performance is evaluated and

rewarded in terms of the collective achievement of a group of

people working together to reach a particular goal.

Non zero sum game

Cooperation

Factors determining

Personality

Communication

Size of the group

Reciprocity

Competition as a Process

Martens model

(1975)

Stages of Competitive Process

A situation in which performance is compared with some

standard of excellence in the presence of at least one other

person who is aware of the comparison

Standard of comparison is identified

Another person is present

This person knows the standards and evaluates

1. Objective Competitive Situation

Stages of the Competitive Process

Variables at OCS:

Social environment Presence and attributes of others

Physical environment

Rewards

Task requirements

Objective Competitive Situation

Stages of the Competitive Process

How the person perceives, accepts, and appraises the OCS.

Influenced by

Personality traits

Importance of competition

Perception about the standard

As a result person may compete, attempt reluctantly or avoid.

2. Subjective Competitive Situation

Stages of the Competitive Process

Whether a person approaches or avoids an objective

competitive situation (at the behavioral, physiological, and

psychological levels)

3. Response

Stages of the Competitive Process

An evaluation (usually plus or minus) of ones response to

the standards of the performance comparison

4. Consequences

Psychological Studies of Competition and Cooperation

Cyclists were faster in competition than alone racing against

the clock.

Tripletts Cyclists

Competition group students were self-centered, directed efforts at beating

others, had closed communication, and exhibited group conflict and

distrust.

Cooperation group students communicated openly, shared information,

developed friendships, and solved more puzzles.

Deutschs Puzzles

Competition is not good or bad; it is neutral. Whether it

leads to aggression or cooperation depends on the social

environment and the way the performers view competition.

Competition and Aggression

Psychological Studies of Competition and Cooperation

Psychological Studies of Competition and Cooperation

Cooperation as opposed to competition produces superior performance, although results may depend on the nature of the

task.

Competition can serve as a positive source of motivation to improve and refine skills.

Competition versus cooperation and performance

Experimental Games

Psychological Studies of Competition and Cooperation

Is Competition Good or Bad?

Competition is neither inherently good nor bad. It is neither

productive nor destructive. It is a neutral process with the

environment determining its effects to a great degree.

Maximize participation.

Do not keep score of game.

Maximize opportunities for success.

Give positive feedback.

General principles of cooperative games

Enhancing Cooperation

Provide opportunities for youngsters to play different positions.

Balancing Cooperative and Competitive Efforts

Guidelines for Competition

and Cooperation

Blend competition and cooperation

Individualize instruction to meet each persons needs.

Provide positive feedback and encouragement regardless of the outcome of the competition.

Stress cooperation to produce trust and open communication.

(continued)