The Effects of Competitive vs. Cooperative Structures on Subsequent Productivity in Boys with Psychosocial Disorders

Abstract

The long tradition of experiments that compare the relative benefits of competition and cooperation is relevant to research and theory development in occupational therapy. In this study, three-subject groups structured for competition were compared to three-subject groups structured for cooperation in terms of subsequent productivity (task accomplishment). Thirty-six males (8 to 17 years old) residing in a treatment facility for non-psychotic psychosocial disorders participated in both competitive and cooperative dice games after random assignment to counterbalanced orders. After each dice game, subsequent group productivity was assessed by counting the number of correctly modeled pieces in a tinker toy task. Results did not support the hypothesis that a cooperative experience would enhance subsequent group productivity. On the contrary, a Mann-Whitney U test approached statistical significance (U = 38.5, p = .053) in favor of the group productivity of the post-competition condition. Suggestions are made for future study of the possible advantages and disadvantages of competition and cooperation.