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An Experimental Study of the Effects
of Competition on the Self-Concept
Flynn, T.M., & Beasleym J.
Adolescence, 15.6 (1980) 799-806
Purpose:
Examine the differential effect two award
systems, the Danish system in which everyone
is recognized at different levels and the
English system in which there are a limited
number of winners, have on self-concept.
Additionally, determine the effect the award
system has on the new camp reference group
and the individual's need for maintaining
his/her current self-concept.
Sample:
130 urban children, 39% white and 61% African
American attending a 5 day 4-H summer camp
program. Approximately ½ male and ½ female,
ages 8-13 years. Random assignment was made
to 4 groups. 41 subjects were placed in
group 1, the English awards system, 36 subjects
were placed in group 2, the Danish awards
system. Groups 3 and 4 served as control
groups.
Methods/Instruments:
Piers-Harris Children's Self-Concept Scale
was administered as a pre-test to groups
1,2 and 3. All groups received the Piers-Harris
Scale as a post-test. The 4th
group received a post-test only to determine
if the pre-test had any effect on self-concept
scores.
Results:
- No significant differences between pre-test
and post-test scores in the four groups.
- No significant interactions between
age and gender, age and race, and gender
and race.
- No significant difference in subjects
self-concept scores between the Danish
and English systems of awards.
- Significant positive change in self-concept
scores of the control group.
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