Sex Differences in Achievement Cognitions and Performance in Competition

Abstract

Expectancies, performance, perceived ability, and causal attributions of males (n = 20) and females (n = 20) who competed on a motor task after being matched with a same- or opposite-sex opponent of similar ability were examined. Males were more likely than females to predict a win in competition, but actual performance measures, postcompetition ability ratings, and attributions revealed more positive responses to competition by females than males. Females improved their performance times and raised their ability ratings from the initial noncompetitive session more than males and placed more importance on effort attributions than males did. The Findings suggest that competition is not necessarily detrimental and can have a positive influence on females' achievement cognitions and behaviors when the competitive task and situation are clearly appropriate for females.

Key Words:

• sex differences
• expectations
• predicted outcomes
• competition