Lowest Ratings Linked to Specific Last Names, Study Finds

How Alphabetical Order Can Affect Academic Performance

A study conducted by the University of Michigan suggests that students with surnames starting with the last letters of the alphabet may receive lower grades in class assignments, highlighting an unexpected bias in academic evaluations.

The Research Findings

The research, which analyzed over 30 million assignments at the university, revealed a surprising disparity in grades based on the initial letter of students’ surnames.
Those with last alphabet initials tend to receive lower ratings compared to their counterparts with initials from the beginning of the alphabet.

While the difference in grades may seem minimal (0.6 points), it can impact students’ final averages and even discourage them due to harsher evaluations and criticism received.

Possible Explanations and Solutions

The default alphabetical order of assessment platforms like Canvas could be a contributing factor.
Assignments are often arranged alphabetically, causing students with later alphabet initials to be evaluated last, potentially leading to lower grades and less courteous feedback.

Researchers also suggest that evaluator fatigue and unconscious biases may play a role.
To address this issue, it is recommended to randomize the order of assessments and consider employing multiple evaluators for larger classes to distribute the workload evenly and ensure fair evaluations.

By raising awareness of these factors and implementing practical solutions, educational institutions can strive for more equitable grading systems and support all students in achieving their full academic potential.