What Affects Goal Achievement More, Independent Self Motivation or Positive Peer Relationships?

Theories tested

There were two theories conducted

1. The relative effect of cooperative, competitive, and individualistic goal structures on achievement and positive peer relationships
2. The extent to which positive peer relationships (i.e., the attainment of social goals) are positively linked with achievement

These theories are provided extensive validity from many previous studies that have shown how individual behavior can be affected by social relationships; just as disconnected and alienated students are at particular risk of negative outcomes(Becker and Luthar, 2002; Bernt et al.,1999; Finn,1989, 1993 Furman and Robbins, 985; Hymel, Comfort, Schonert-Riechl, & McDougall, 1996; Ladd, 1990; McDougall & Hamel, 1998; Parker & Asher, 1987; Wentzel et al., 2004). However, clarity is necessary when considering why some social relationships encourage achievement, and others impede optimal learning.

The Technique

Research was conducted compiling any, and all available studies that compared the affects of cooperative, competitive and individualistic goal structures. In addition, comparing what impact they might have on achievement and social relationship amid early adolescence was incorporated in this study. The chosen data included published and unpublished studies in journals, books, dissertations, theses, technical reports, and conferences. The participants in the study were ages 12-15 years, bias of gender nationality, academic or physical ability, or any other characteristics.

Independent variable

The independent variables were cooperative, competitive, and individualistic goal structures. The nature of cooperative, competitive, or individualistic goal structures was defined by the author(s) of each article investigated.

Dependent variable

The dependent variables were achievement and positive peer relationships.

The Boundaries of this Study

This study had several weaknesses the most influential is the limited amount of studies that assessed achievement and positive social relationships, which intern affects the accuracy of the data. Another weakness is because the research’s spectrum is very wide when considering conceptualization of achievement and social goals. It is suggested that other studies be conducted on productivity and what affect could achievement motivation and achievement values have on productivity. In addition, all of the studies targeted peer relationships within the school environment.

Summary of the Result

Three issues were evaluated in this Meta analysis 

     1.The relative effect of cooperative, competitive, and individualistic goal structures on achievement. The findings in this study yielded results as had been predicted. Cooperative, and competitive goal structures were less effective than cooperative goal structure; therefore, lending validity to the social interdependence theory.

     2.The relative effect of cooperative, competitive, and individualistic goal structures on positive peer relationships. The results of this study found that competitive and individualistic goals were less affective and found cooperative goal structure to be most associated with higher levels of positive peer structures