Competition and Co-operation

Question 1

What is competition?

Answer 1

A social process that occurs when rewards are given to people on the basis of how their performance compares with the performance of others doing the same taks or event (Coakley 1994)

Question 2

What are the three levels of competition?

Answer 2

Intrapersonal (with oneself)
Interpersonal (between individuals)
Intergroup (between groups or teams)

Question 3

What is zero-sum competition?

Answer 3

When one person or team achieves their goals, all other persons or teams fail to achieve theirs

Question 4

Does zero-sum competition enhance performance?

Answer 4

No link thus far but many athletes and philosophers believe that competing against one another brings the best out in us all

Question 5

What is the problem with zero-sum?

Answer 5

In zero-sum, statistically most people will lose

If winning is important, then high levels of worry, doubt and anxiety will occur

Question 6

What are the five key behavioural effects that impart development and performance

Answer 6

1. communication is impaired
2. Increases suspicion
3. Decreases cooperation
4. Increases threat of others
5. Increases conflict

Question 7

Why is zero-sum so bad?

Answer 7

We are social organisms evolved to work together

Question 8

What is the social independence theory? Johnson and Johnson 1989

Answer 8

1. Work together to accomplish shared goals
2. Work against each other to achieve what only one can ottain
3. Work by oneself to accomplish goals

Question 9

Why is cooperation beneficial? Deutsch 2006

Answer 9

openness in communication
Readiness to be helpful
Feelings of agreement
Sensitivity to common interests
Orientation toward enhancing mutual skills

Question 10

Can we use research to inform coaching innovation?

Answer 10

Recent trends in youth development recognise and address problems with zero-sum competition