The Ringelmann Effect

When does this arise?

When the average individual performance decreases as a group size increases

Eight people pulled only four times as hard as one, NOT eight times as hard

This loss of performance was due to both co-ordination and motivational problems

Mainly due to individuals within the group losing motivation

Sporting Examples:

 Hockey team penalty corner drill continues to break down because the timing of the players involved does not match

Losses in performance due to co-ordination fault

 A water polo team are not playing very well because one particular player is not trying very hard

Losses in performance due to motivational fault Latane (1979) also studied group performance

He also found that group performance suffered as groups got larger – due to motivation and coordination problems

Motivation losses = Social loafing

“When individuals lose motivation when in a group situation”

It is undesirable in teams – therefore if present – should be eliminated

Social loafing is caused by an individual losing their identity when placed in a group

Individuals may feel their efforts are not being recognised – by spectators or team mates

How can Social loafing ( motivation ) be avoided?

 Individual performance should be highlighted

 Credit given to team situations – make individuals feel important - “Tackle counts” - Rugby - “Assists” – Basketball  Feedback to individuals about performance can help to combat social loafing

 Support from team mates – referred to as “social support”

 “Peer pressure” will aid elimination of social loafing and can serve to reinforce individual effort

How can Social loafing ( co-ordination ) be avoided?

 Individuals should be selected on their interactive skills

 Teachers/coaches should emphasise that good coordination will eventually lead to better performance

 Games using small teams may help to coordinate the actions of different sets of players within a team