Listening performance and effects of rewards : an investigation at the grade four level
Date
1983
Authors
Tyrrell, Edward Colin
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Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine whether the offering of carefully chosen extrinsic rewards would enhance measurable listening performance of regular elementary school children at the grade four level. An information-processing model which identifies and shows the relationships of the fundamental elements of the listening process was discussed. A theoretical case was presented showing that there is a chain of events that occurs, beginning with the extrinsic reward being offered which leads to motivational and attentional factors being stimulated, resulting finally in enhanced listening ability.
Seventy-three grade four students enrolled in three classes in Greater Victoria School District #61 participated in the study. A listening pretest was given to all children. Subjects in the control group and the two treatment groups---both offered a different type of extrinsic reward--were posttested one week after the pretest.
Data were subjected to the analysis of covariance. Results revealed, essentially, that there were no significant differences between either of the two treatment groups and the control group. It was thought that the lack of significant differences lay in weak design of the study rather than in the theoretical premise on which the study was based.