Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
With motivation defined as choice of tasks at one's threshold level of attainment, this study provides only little support for those who ascribe a motivational effect to formal school tests. Moreover, it seems likely that this effect is limited to tasks that are novel, and for which information on one's relative standing within the classroom is lacking. In other cases, testing is likely to reinforce fear of failure (girls), or encourage impulsive risk taking (boys).
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Elizabeth M. Campbell (1975) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 10 related papers. Consider them for comparative context: