Messages Sent in Academic Environments (03-09-10)

The physical environments around us broadcast all sorts of messages.  Psychologists Keith Ciani and Ken Sheldon have found that seeing letters that can correspond to grades (e.g., A, F) before a test influences performance on that test, in the direction of the letter seen.  This effect is observed even when the letter is a label for the test form (i.e., “Test Bank ID: F”).  The researchers suggest that “Adorning classrooms with symbols of achievement, such as A+ and other success-oriented words and phrases may activate effort, pride, and the intention to perform well in standardized testing situations.”

“Exposure to Letters A or F Can Affect Test Performance.”  2010.  Press release, British Psychological Society, http://www.bps.org.uk/media-centre.