In order to determine the effectiveness of using student performance contracts in social science courses, the author chose two sections of the course entitled "The Individual in Modern Society" and two sections of the course entitled "Social Problems" for a controlled experiment. One section of each course used the contract format, whereby students were asked to sign performance contracts, and the other section was taught in a more traditional manner. Contracts were designed so that students could obtain credits for studying alternative content as well as the usual print content in texts and library assignments. Contract students could complete course objectives with or without use of a learning laboratory center. In signing a contract, each student chose the amount and kinds of course work he would perform and the grade he would receive. All four sections were taught by the same teacher. Analysis of the two groups of students demonstrated that the contract students as a group received higher grades, had less attrition, and made greater use of the learning laboratory, thus gaining more content exposure and achievement of more course objectives. Sample contracts and course descriptions are appended. (DC)