Abstract

Attribution theorists have suggested that an effort orientation to achievement-related tasks will benefit performance. The present study examined this hypothesis with respect to performance in a competitive situation. Subjects experienced three successive wins or three successive losses under effort-oriented or ability-oriented instructional sets. Dependent variables included the number of practice throws made during a five-minute practice period prior to each trial of competition and the number of points scored on each competitive trial. The results indicated that an effort orientation enhanced the practice behaviour of subjects with low achievement tendencies. In addition, both low and high achievers scored more points across the last two trials of competition when given an effort orientation rather than an ability orientation. These findings were interpreted as behavioural support for speculation that an effort orientation would enhance competitive performance. Verf.-Referat