This study investigates the effect of cooperative learning on students' self-perceptions. Areas explored include students' perceptions concerning their: (1) achievement, regardless of present achievement level; (2) personal worth; (3) friendship formation with different ethnic groups and sexes; and (4) enjoyment of school. Interviews were conducted with 28 students, who had extensive experience working in cooperative learning groups, from seven intermediate science classrooms in an urban school system. Subjects were videotaped while participating in a cooperative problem-solving lesson. Findings include the following: (1) students perceived their achievement positively, rating it high or average; (2) nearly two-thirds of the students rated their self-esteem as high; (3) white students, and particularly white females, felt positive about themselves when working in groups; (4) more than three-fourths of the students enjoyed working with everyone in the group; (5) students noted no preference for race or sex; (6) more than two-thirds of the students enjoyed school more when working in groups; and (7) the overall response of black students to group work was not as positive as that of white students. A list of 13 references is included. Statistical data are included on seven tables. (FMW)