Uncommon Knowledge

The more competitors, the less competition

Variety can change your mind; and it's true, your dog relaxes you

(Wesley Bedrosian for The Boston Globe)

By Kevin Lewis

January 4, 2009

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IF YOU'VE EVER had to take a test in a room with a lot of people, you may be able to relate to this study: The more people you're competing against, it turns out, the less motivated and competitive you are. Psychologists observed this pattern across several different situations. Students taking standardized tests in more crowded venues got lower scores. ... (Full article: 1007 words)