Social Comparison as a Motivational Agent among Students

Abstract

This paper describes an experimental study that was performed among undergraduate students in their third year out of four required for their Software Engineering degree. The study's main purpose that stems from Maslow's motivational theory (self-actualization), was to explore possible motivational increase through self-grades comparisons. For that reason, a small Excel tool was provided with relative performance comparison graphs. Each student could enter his or her ID number and receive a two graphs figure. One graph represents the average class grades for all assignments and the second graph represents his or her assignments' grades. All assignments were individualized and personalized, so every student got a different set of assignments. The study revealed that the mechanism employed had a positive effect by increasing the average grades. The students' reflection supported these findings as some students expressed their views regarding the importance of their relative performance. The paper concludes with a discussion on the results and future follow-up directions.