“… been down so long …”: Perpetual vs. intermittent inferiority and the Köhler group motivation gain in exercise groups.

Abstract

Prior research has documented the Köhler motivation gain effect--working with a more capable partner at a task that makes one's performance indispensible for the group can boost task motivation. Recent research has shown that the Köhler effect can boost one's persistence exercising in groups, but that always being the group's "weak link" can eventually undermine these motivation gains. An experiment is reported which contrasts having a partner that is more capable on all/both exercise tasks with one that is more capable on the focal task, but inferior on the second task. The Köhler effect on the focal task was replicated and unmoderated by the uniformity of the partner's exercise superiority. Implications for further research and application are discussed.

Is silence really golden? Effect of encouragement from a partner or trainer on active video game play

“…Consistent with several previous studies, participants exercising with a silent and more capable virtually present partnerwhere task outcome was contingent on the performance of the weaker participantpersisted for significantly longer than participants working alone (Feltz et al, 2011;Forlenza et al, 2012;Irwin et al, 2012Irwin et al, , 2013Kerr et al, 2013). Consistent with several previous studies, participants exercising with a silent and more capable virtually present partnerwhere task outcome was contingent on the performance of the weaker participantpersisted for significantly longer than participants working alone (Feltz et al, 2011;Forlenza et al, 2012;Irwin et al, 2012Irwin et al, , 2013Kerr et al, 2013).…”

“…This approach has generally produced the same pattern of results as using the Block 1 scores as a covariate in the analysis of Block 2 scores in previous research (Forlenza et al, 2012;Kerr, Forlenza, Irwin, & Feltz, 2013); that was also the case here. In order to control for individual differences in strength and fitness, the primary dependent variable used was the difference score between both blocks (Block 2−Block 1), to show any changes in persistence.…”

Introductory dialogue and the Köhler Effect in software-generated workout partners

“…The third hypothesis concerning ancillary measures was supported, consistent with prior research (Feltz et al, 2011; Kerr et al, 2013; Feltz et al, 2012; Forlenza et al, 2012). Interestingly, even though participants with an SGP performed as the “weak link” in the dyad, beliefs in their ability, exertion, and enjoyment of the game did not suffer compared to the control group.…”

“…Additionally, there was no evidence that working with SGPs harmed enjoyment or increased perceived exertion (Feltz et al, 2014), consistent with most prior findings in this area (Feltz et al, 2011; Feltz, Irwin, & Kerr, 2012; Forlenza, Kerr, Irwin, & Feltz, 2012; Kerr et al, 2013). While a promising start, the Feltz et al (2014) study has been the only one to explore the Köhler effect in exergames with SGPs thus far.…”

“…Recent research has applied the Köhler motivation gain effect to partnered or cooperative exergame play (Feltz et al, 2011; Irwin, Scorniaenchi, Kerr, Eisenmann, & Feltz, 2012; Kerr, Forlenza, Irwin, & Feltz, 2013). This well-studied motivation-gain effect occurs in team tasks when the less capable partner of a team exhibits greater motivation in terms of effort, relative to individual performance, when performing as part of a team on effort-based tasks (Hertel, Kerr & Messé, 2000; Kerr & Hertel, 2011) (See meta-analysis for a review: Weber & Hertel, 2007).…”