An experimental study of competition

Abstract

A group of 10 men participated in shooting at a target with a rifle under competitive conditions which stressed high initial ability and improvement over low initial ability and over individual average record, with a "handicap" correction. Conditions giving equal opportunities, the "handicap" and the advantage for low initial ability ("improvement") were found to increase individual scores more than under conditions giving an advantage to the high initial ability. "The conclusion to be drawn from the results of these experiments is that one's opinion concerning the possibility of success is a very important factor in determining the direction and the character of his work." (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)