SOCIAL LOAFING ON COGNITIVE TASKS - AN EXAMINATION OF THE SUCKER EFFECT

This study addresses the causes and potential mediators of social loaf ing on tasks which require active cognitive effort. Contrary to previo us research, social loafing did occur despite the use of a task which was thought-provoking, personally involving, and provided the opportun ity for unique contributions. The results suggest that equity theory, which has been supported as a reason for social loafing on physical ta sks, may also be the basis for loafing on cognitive tasks. No signific ant loafing occurred when the subjects believed their partners would n ot loaf.