Effects of Manipulated Status on Performance, Goal Setting, Achievement Motivation, Anxiety, and Fear of Success

Abstract

Summary One hundred twenty college students were tested under same- and mixed-sex competition conditions to determine the effects of manipulated status on reaction time performance, goal setting, achievement motivation, achievement anxiety, and fear of success. In same-sex competition, males and females randomly assigned to high status improved in reaction time performance, while Ss randomly assigned to low status suffered a decrement. Contrary to expectations, in mixed-sex competition (fear of success arousal condition) Ss in both high and low statuses improved in performance. Feedback was not necessary for these effects but may be necessary for goal setting that is commensurate with ability. Criterion performance was significantly correlated with both personal and group goals (with performance exceeding goals). Group goals were significantly higher than, and correlated with, personal goals. Males had significantly faster reaction times and set higher goals than females. Status did not significantly affe...