Attitudes of members and their parents about competition and pressure to win in 4-H for Clay County, Minnesota

This master thesis investigates the differences in attitudes about 4-H competition and the pressures to win between youth members and their parents of Clay County, Minnesota. 109 4-H members and their parents participated in this study by each filling out a questionnaire designed for the member or for the parent. The members are also divided by age; 9 to 11, 12, to 15, 16, to 19, to determine if any age differences occur. Results show that no significant relationships exist between 4-H members aging 9-15 and their parents concerning attitudes about the competition. Positive relationship in indicated for older members' and their parent's agreement on the perception of the pressures to win. Additional results about members found that the majority of members prefer competitive activities, males displayed more competitive attitudes and desire for competitive activities than females, and members preferred trophies and cash awards for championship exhibits. Parents results include equally divided preference for competitive or cooperative activities for their children, a majority report they did not pressure their child to win, and earning was given as the reason why their child should participate in 4-H. An expanded study was recommended in order to compare results with other groups of 4-H members and their parents.