Cooperative and Competitive Dyad Learning Environments Influence Psychosocial, But Not Motor, Outcomes in a Relative-Timing Task

<p>Research investigating the behavioral and psychosocial outcomes of individuals practicing motor skills in pairs (dyad practice) has generated mixed evidence regarding its effectiveness when compared with individuals practicing alone. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the motor performance, learning, and psychosocial outcomes associated with competitive or cooperative dyad practice contexts versus practicing alone. Participants practiced a relative-timing keypress sequence task alone, or in competitive or cooperative dyads. Relative timing errors for each movement component in the sequence were measured across the 40 practice trials and in a 24-hr retention test. Psychosocial measures of positive and negative affect, motivation, and efficacy were also collected. There were no group differences in timing errors during practice or retention, although partners in the cooperative group were more alike (correlated) in performance compared with partners in the competitive group. The cooperative group also reported higher levels of interest/enjoyment and commitment to continue practicing compared with the competitive group, but these outcomes were not different from the alone group. Overall, although there were indications that cooperative dyad practice led to greater task engagement and task &ldquo;sharing&rdquo; than competitive dyad practice, these effects did not impact the acquisition and retention of the motor skill.</p>