Psychological variables and success of interpersonal coordination of motor performance tasks]

This paper examines which dispositional, cognitive and motivational variables will contribute to improved multi-person motor coordination. The study conceptually refers to a control-theoretical approach of continuous motor behavior. According to this approach interpersonal behavior should be determined by similar regulative processes as is individual behavior. Results of a laboratory study with 18 three-person groups support assumptions of this approach. Substantial effects on group performance are found for dispositional and motivational variables. Theoretical implications of the results obtained are discussed. Conclusions for applied issues are derived.