Abstract

The novel variable of competitiveness is explored to determine whether it has a role in differentiating high performing students from others. While the Big Five personality traits and motivation have been well-researched in relation to academic performance, the concept of competitiveness has yet to receive such attention. The competitiveness of business students (n = 226) was investigated in tandem with personality traits and motivation. Four academic performance tiers emerged from the analysis. These results unambiguously reveal that the Tier one cohort, which was comprised of a homogenous subset – i.e. the students attaining a high distinction grade – was statistically unique. The distinct point of differentiation is that these students were competitive as well as conscientious and intrinsically motivated. The implications of this finding open opportunities for future research, and potentially for learning and teaching strategies that acknowledge competitiveness in student learning.

摘要

探索竞争力的新变量以确定它是否在区分高绩效学生与其他学生方面发挥作用。虽然大五人格特质和动机与学业成绩的关系已经得到了很好的研究，但竞争力的概念还没有得到这样的关注。商科学生的竞争力（n = 226) 与人格特质和动机一起进行调查。分析中出现了四个学业成绩等级。这些结果明确表明，由同质子集（即获得高分的学生）组成的一级队列在统计上是独一无二的。不同之处在于，这些学生既有竞争力，也有责任心，并且具有内在的积极性。这一发现的意义为未来的研究提供了机会，并可能为承认学生学习竞争力的学习和教学策略提供机会。