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Mehta, Pranjal H., Amanda C. Jones, and Robert A. Josephs. "The Social Endocrinology Of Dominance: Basal Testosterone Predicts Cortisol Changes And Behavior Following Victory And Defeat." Journal Of Personality And Social Psychology 94.6 (2008): 1078-1093. PsycARTICLES. Web. 29 Feb. 2012.
The purpose of this article is to evaluate results of tests made to confirm what it is that makes competition for animals. There was research to measure Testosterone level of human tests and dog tests to measure during the activity and after the activity. The scientist wanted to figure out why victory and defeat made testosterone levels change. They were already basing some results from a prior test that confirmed that testosterone levels are changed throughout competition. They then wanted to apply that data to examine if testosterone can predict cortisol changes. They also examined the behavior of the test subjects after victory and defeat.
What the found is that t levels raise dramatically in competition because of what at risk. Competition either leads to victory or defeat. In many species victory determines dominance. Species thrive for dominance which creates competition. “The benefits of winning in competition are clear—an individual will rise in social status and gain access to limited resources”. The reason victory is so important is because we want to gain that status of a victor. The research states, “The large literature on hormones and social behavior indicates that T levels are associated with dominance—behaviors intended to gain or maintain high status”. The point proven is that victory proves dominance and high status which is why completion raises testosterone level and makes that thrive we feel.