Sex Differences in Achievement Motivation, Social Comparison, and Self-Reward in Children

Abstract

The present study examined the social comparison and self-reward patterns of seventy-three fifth grade male and female children. Motivation was assessed using the Intrinsic Versus Extrinsic Orientation scale and perceived competence was assessed using the Perceived Competence Scale for Children. Subjects performed on a pursuit rotor apparatus and received manipulated feedback after observing a model of either superior or equal ability perform the task. Subjects also observed the model self-reward prior to rewarding their own scores. Motivation was significantly correlated with perceived competence of cognitive skills for males, but not for females. There was a significant sex difference observed: females chose lower standards of self-reward, consistently rewarded lower scores, and rewarded a greater number of trials than male subjects. There was no significant effect for level of achievement motivation, modeled ability, or perceived competence of physical skills. There was a marginally significant interaction between perceived competence and modeled ability: low perceived competence subjects lowered their scores more when observing an equal ability model than when viewing a model of superior ability.