Performing well in an evaluative situation: The roles of perceived competence and task-irrelevant interfering thoughts |
| |
Authors: | Nico W Van Yperen |
| |
Institution: | 1. University of Groningen , The Netherlands n.van.yperen@rug.nl |
| |
Abstract: | Abstract This research expands on previous research by arguing and demonstrating that high perceived competence buffers the detrimental effects of an evaluative situation. In Study 1 (n=75, 38.7% male), the situation (evaluative vs. non-evaluative) and perceived competence (high vs. low) were manipulated, whereas in Study 2 (n=42, 33.3% male), perceived competence relied on naturally occurring differences in perceived competence. The results of Study 1 indicate that people may underachieve in an evaluative situation. More importantly, in Study 2 it was demonstrated that such an evaluative situation had only a negative effect on test performance among individuals low in perceived competence. The occurrence of task-irrelevant interfering thoughts during task completion accounted for this inimical effect of an evaluative situation on test performance among these individuals. |
| |
Keywords: | Achievement anxiety worry stress confidence |
|
|