The Effect of Pre Performance Rituals on Adolescents' Academic Performance
School Name
Spring Valley High School
Grade Level
10th Grade
Presentation Topic
Behavioral Science
Presentation Type
Non-Mentored
Abstract
This research seeked to investigate the correlation between pre-performance rituals and academic performance in adolescents. Previous research and anecdotal evidence have shown connections between the two variables, however not much research has been done in an academic setting. Pre-performance rituals are used by many people, even well-known athletes and other public figures. Their stress-relieving qualities can both calm whomever is using them and provide a sense of control. Stress can negatively impact the mind and body, especially those of students. Studies have shown that higher stress levels in students hinder academic performance so it is important to reduce this stress. It was hypothesized that if students perform a stress-relieving ritual, their scores on a logical reasoning test would improve. Over the span of three weeks, students were given a logical reasoning test three separate times; one time without a ritual and two times with a ritual. Their answers were graded on a scale out of ten, each question equal to one point. The average of the participants’ scores increased from 2.8 without the ritual to 3.1 with the ritual. However, upon completing a two-tailed paired t-test, it was concluded that the results were not statistically significant (p<0.05, p=0.41). There is not sufficient evidence to reject the null hypothesis. These results suggest that pre-performance rituals may not impact academic performance, however their stress-relieving properties could still be utilized in a psychological manner.
Recommended Citation
Slaubaugh, Marina, "The Effect of Pre Performance Rituals on Adolescents' Academic Performance" (2022). South Carolina Junior Academy of Science. 35.
https://scholarexchange.furman.edu/scjas/2022/all/35
Location
B&E 235
Start Date
4-2-2022 10:00 AM
Presentation Format
Oral and Written
Group Project
No
The Effect of Pre Performance Rituals on Adolescents' Academic Performance
B&E 235
This research seeked to investigate the correlation between pre-performance rituals and academic performance in adolescents. Previous research and anecdotal evidence have shown connections between the two variables, however not much research has been done in an academic setting. Pre-performance rituals are used by many people, even well-known athletes and other public figures. Their stress-relieving qualities can both calm whomever is using them and provide a sense of control. Stress can negatively impact the mind and body, especially those of students. Studies have shown that higher stress levels in students hinder academic performance so it is important to reduce this stress. It was hypothesized that if students perform a stress-relieving ritual, their scores on a logical reasoning test would improve. Over the span of three weeks, students were given a logical reasoning test three separate times; one time without a ritual and two times with a ritual. Their answers were graded on a scale out of ten, each question equal to one point. The average of the participants’ scores increased from 2.8 without the ritual to 3.1 with the ritual. However, upon completing a two-tailed paired t-test, it was concluded that the results were not statistically significant (p<0.05, p=0.41). There is not sufficient evidence to reject the null hypothesis. These results suggest that pre-performance rituals may not impact academic performance, however their stress-relieving properties could still be utilized in a psychological manner.
