In the context of high-stakes qualifications, teachers may warn students of the negative consequences of failure as a tactic designed to increase engagement and, ultimately, achievement. Previous studies have shown that these types of messages, namely fear appeals, are indirectly related to engagement and achievement in different ways, depending…

Prediction of academic success at postsecondary institutions is an enduring issue for educational psychology. Traditional measures of high-school grade point average and high-stakes entrance examinations are valid predictors, especially of 1st-year college grades, yet a large amount of individual-differences variance remains unaccounted for.…

The incidence and causes of cheating were studied through a questionnaire completed by 943 English college students. Reported cheating was widespread, more common among men and less able students, and more common in science and technology students. Student motivation appears to be a major factor in explaining the differences. (SLD)

This research comprised three studies (two prospective and one short-term longitudinal) designed to investigate mastery, performance-approach, and performance-avoidance goals as predictors of achievement-relevant processes prior to the undergraduate examination experience. Results from across the three studies were supportive of hypotheses and…