Argument Research Paper

13 Pages 3184 Words

No-Win Situations

In “No-Win Situations”, alfie Kohn talks about competition games, alternative theory, of how winning a game; minus the opponent can be beneficial in a team effort to achieve a certain goal. In game scenarios Kohn, explains the general theory of wining games against and opponent and how psychologically can affect the players. Different goals are set in multiple games, but to change those goals into accomplishing self-worth is Kohn’s principle. A relation ship or a positive achievement is on way to look at a certain goal. Furthermore, Khon says that in some games camaraderie can be achieved, but when the tables are turned for competition he states that sportsmanship is lost. The main focus is to beat another player, in end having a winner and loser. Overall, the author states that achieving a goal, by depending on the opponents failure is not always the answer. The author has done several research games with children. In studies he has found 2/3 of males and all female competitors liked the games without an opponent.

To further explain Kohn’s claim in one of his quotes he says,”Competition undermines self-esteem, poisons relationships, and holds us back from doing our best (pg.35)”. With this being his main focus, Kohn supports his state from a study at the University of Ottawa, A group of children were asked to play musical chairs, with the goal being to have every child who is playing, squish into one chair, rather than having them eliminated. The purpose is to have, or implement solely that everybody’s a winner. Gratification is received at both ends through competitions and as teamwork. On the other hand, Kohn gave other examples such as surpassing an objective standard, setting goals for your-self to where the end result would be self-achieving. For example running, bike riding, setting makers for yourself. Aiming at a main goal, whether its time, distance or speed, Kohn says this different a...