Grades as reinforcing contingencies and attitude change

The potential effects of grades as a reinforcing contingency were examined. University students wrote essays defending positions on attitude-related issues to their previously assessed positions. Good and poor grades were randomly assigned to the essays and reported to the students. The effect of th...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of educational psychology 1961-04, Vol.52 (2), p.112-115
Main Authors: Bostrom, R. N, Vlandis, J. W, Rosenbaum, M. E
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Attitude Change
Human
Reinforcement
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Summary:The potential effects of grades as a reinforcing contingency were examined. University students wrote essays defending positions on attitude-related issues to their previously assessed positions. Good and poor grades were randomly assigned to the essays and reported to the students. The effect of these procedures on attitude change were evaluated and good grades were demonstrated to serve a reinforcing role in contrast to the effects of a poor grade or no grade.
ISSN:0022-0663
1939-2176
DOI:10.1037/h0045803