Winner Takes It All
Start Date
12-4-2024 2:45 PM
Location
CASB 108
Document Type
Presentation
Abstract
Winner Takes It All
This study investigated the perception of people on participation trophies versus winners taking it all. Through the interview method, questions were asked to investigate whether participation trophies or blue ribbons for participation yield positive effects versus sticking to the traditional style of awarding only the winners. College-age athletes and non-athletes and parents were interviewed. Many of the respondents indicated that participation trophies or blue ribbons foment a false representation of real-life circumstances. Being awarded for participation dampens determination and the motivation to work harder. The traditional way of honoring winners proved to weather the test of time. Many respondents said that competitions, when managed properly, push competitors to excel in different ways and learn valuable lessons. In conclusion, the study strongly suggests that the prevalence of participation trophies may contribute to some sense of entitlement, diminished determination, and a lack of understanding of real-life circumstances while success is often earned through hard work and resilience. This research should inspire more in-depth research in the future.
Keywords
Participation trophies; blue ribbons; winners; hardwork
Winner Takes It All
CASB 108
Winner Takes It All
This study investigated the perception of people on participation trophies versus winners taking it all. Through the interview method, questions were asked to investigate whether participation trophies or blue ribbons for participation yield positive effects versus sticking to the traditional style of awarding only the winners. College-age athletes and non-athletes and parents were interviewed. Many of the respondents indicated that participation trophies or blue ribbons foment a false representation of real-life circumstances. Being awarded for participation dampens determination and the motivation to work harder. The traditional way of honoring winners proved to weather the test of time. Many respondents said that competitions, when managed properly, push competitors to excel in different ways and learn valuable lessons. In conclusion, the study strongly suggests that the prevalence of participation trophies may contribute to some sense of entitlement, diminished determination, and a lack of understanding of real-life circumstances while success is often earned through hard work and resilience. This research should inspire more in-depth research in the future.