Undermanning, performances, and students' subjective experiences in behavior settings of large and small high schools.

Abstract

107 juniors from 4 small high schools and 84 Ss from 1 large high school rated their subjective experiences in 6 kinds of school extracurricular activities, e.g., basketball games, dances. Comparisons between and within large and small schools revealed that experiences such as being needed, feeling challenged, having an important job, and developing self-confidence are associated with undermanned activities, i.e., those having high manpower needs relative to the supply. Most of the variation in the experience was attributable to whether or not Ss held responsible positions in the activities. Events relating school size and Ss' experiences were discussed. Similarities between the present findings and research in industry were noted. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)