A conceptual replication study of a self-affirmation intervention to improve the academic achievement of low-income pupils in England

Beng Huat See, Rebecca Morris, Stephen Gorard, Nadia Siddiqui, Matthew Easterbrook, Marlon Nieuwenhuis, Kerry Jane Fox, Peter Harris, Robin Banerjee

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

This paper describes an independently evaluated randomised controlled trial of a self-affirmation intervention, replicating earlier studies, mostly conducted in the US with ethnic minority students. Self-affirmation theory suggests that some stigmatised groups, such as those from ethnic minority or poor families, face stereotype threats which undermine their academic performance. Engaging in value affirmation writing activities when such threats are most salient can give individuals a positive sense of value, negating harmful feelings, and fostering academic learning. The present study, involving 10,807 pupils aged 14 to 16 in England showed that the intervention can be successfully replicated with children from low socioeconomic backgrounds in England. The analysis showed positive effects for the intervention group. Pupils who completed more exercises also performed better. The findings are worth consideration given that it costs virtually nothing and does no harm.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)83-116
Number of pages34
JournalEducational Research and Evaluation
Volume27
Issue number1-2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 28 Jan 2022

Keywords

  • randomised control trial
  • self-affirmation
  • conceptual replication
  • stereotype threat

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