Loss Aversion

Loss aversion is usually studied as a motivator for illogical or even illegal behavior. However, Steven Feldman observes that loss aversion may motivate patient compliance with physician directives.

Likewise, I have observed that students are more motivated after they discover they may fail a class than they are at the beginning of a course. When a course starts, all students are starting with a blank slate and could strive to achieve an "A" -- but some are not motivated to strive for the exemplary.

-DD